The Network are currently looking at the experiences of women using the contraceptive implant, Implanon®. This work is funded by Organon.

Implanon® is a long acting contraceptive which comes in the form of a non-biodegradable single rod implant, 4cm in length and 2mm in diameter which is inserted under the skin into the subdermal plane with a disposable insertion device. The implant releases 30-70 ug etonogesterol per day. It can be removed at any time and the duration of use is 3 years. Implanon® is inserted on days 1-5 of a menstrual period. The contraceptive efficacy is mainly due to inhibition of ovulation and this is reversed within 3 weeks of removal.

This study started in 2002 and has been following 1000 women for three years. The women are able to return to the clinics whenever they wish and monitoring forms are completed. Any problems or side effects are noted. Some women do not wish to be followed up until it is time for the implant to be removed. Forms are completed at removal and at three months after removal if the women have experienced any side effects while using the device. We are now at a stage where all women have had the device removed and many refitted with another and we are beginning to write up the findings.

As part of this work the Network are also looking at the doctors experiences of removing the implant.