Alternative Names contraceptive implant, levonorgestrel implant
Definition Progesterone implants are a form of birth control used to prevent pregnancy.
What is the information for this topic? Progesterone implants consist of small rods, containing progesterone that are placed beneath the skin. The rods are usually inserted under the upper arm. With progesterone implants, a woman can get long-term, reversible birth control.
These progesterone rods prevent pregnancy by:
inhibiting ovulation
thickening female secretions to prevent sperm from traveling through into the uterus to fertilise an egg
changing the lining in the uterus to prevent a fertilised egg from developing any further
Progesterone implants do not guarantee that pregnancy will not occur. The only guaranteed way to avoid pregnancy is to refrain from having sexual intercourse.
This method of contraception requires an office procedure to insert the rods. This is done under sterile conditions using local "numbing" medication to prevent pain. The procedure takes only a few minutes to perform. The arm is tightly wrapped for 24 hours. Mild bruising and discomfort are felt for 1 to 2 days after.
The implants provide contraception for a period of 3 years. The initial insertion expense is high. If the monthly expense of the contraceptive pill is compared, the implant cost is comparable over the 3 years.
There is less chance of getting pregnant with progesterone implants than with birth control pills. A woman does not need to remember to take a pill every day. An added benefit is that many women will not have menstrual cycles after a year or so. Unfortunately, many women also develop irregular and random bleeding patterns. These problems may lead to a desire for implant removal. Other possible side effects include:
headaches
weight changes
breast tenderness
a small risk of infection at the insertion site
skin irritation at the insertion site
the implants can be seen as bumps under the skin
Once a woman completes 3-5 years of use, the implants may be removed. The doctor must surgically remove them. This requires another minor office procedure. After the rods are removed, women are able to get pregnant within a month or two.
Progesterone implants do not protect against getting a sexually transmitted disease.
Author: Eva Martin, MD Reviewer: HealthAnswers Australia Medical Review Panel Editor: Dr David Taylor, Chief Medical Officer HealthAnswers Australia Last Updated: 1/10/2001 Contributors Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request
