Implanon, made by Organon International, is a contraceptive technology that is inserted under the skin of a woman's upper arm. The 40 mm by 2 mm Implanon Rod contains 68 milligrams of a progestogenic hormone called etonogestrel which is released in over a three year period. During the first two years of use, the implanon rod releases approximately 60 - 70 micrograms (µg) of the etonogestrel hormone, however this rate decreases to 25 - 0 micrograms (µg) per day by the third year, diminishing the effectiveness of the contraception. Once the three-year period has expired, the implanon should be removed, despite being made of a biodegradable synthetic material.
Implanon works by releasing its primary active ingredient, etonogestrel, which causes cervical mucus to thicken. By thickening the cervical mucus, sperm is dramatically less able to fertilize eggs, while any egg that does become fertilized will not be able to implant itself into the uterine wall, making the contraceptive one of the most, if not the most effective form of contraception available. Implanon also inhibits eggs from being released from the ovaries in the first two years, continuing to do so during the third year, but at a less effective rate.
The procedure for implanting implanon is simple with very unlikely complications. After an application of a local anaesthetic to the upper arm, a needle-like applicator is used to insert the implanon rod under the skin. The procedure generally takes less than a minute. To prevent the implanon rod from shifting inside the arm, tissue forms around it after insertion.
There are notable side effects caused by implanon that occur in some women. Irregular periods, headaches, increased blood pressure, abdominal pain and frequent vaginal bleeding are among the short-term side effects. Like most modern medicinal and contraceptive technologies, long-term effects are unknown.
|
