Insertion and removal of Implanon®

Abstract

Implanon® is a single-rod contraceptive implant containing the progestin etonogestrel. Implants require insertion and removal by medical professionals. Detailed and unbiased counseling before insertion is essential, and should include contraceptive efficacy, insertion and removal procedures, and possible adverse events. Insertion and removal times have been measured in six open studies and in seven comparative studies in which Norplant® (the six-capsule levonorgestrel implant) was used as the reference product. In comparative studies, the mean time needed for insertion of Implanon was 1.1 min and removal took 2.6 min. Insertion as well as removal of Implanon was four times faster than with Norplant. Complications with insertion and removal are rare in the hands of medical professionals familiar with the techniques.