• The Implanon implant is very effective and is FDA approved for 3 years.
• There is nothing you must do on a daily basis or at the time of intercourse to prevent pregnancy.
• Only one clinic visit per year (for a regular checkup) is required.
• Women using Implanon lose less menstrual blood, with up to 20% of women not having a period after 1 year.
• Implanon users have high continuation rates in clinical trials.
• This single implant system is easier and faster to insert and remove than multiple implant systems (Norplant).
  

• Implanon is quite likely to cause irregular periods. If your bleeding pattern is bothersome to you, contact your clinician. There are medications that may give you a more acceptable pattern of bleeding.
• Even though Implanon implants release a low dose of hormone, you may gain weight, or develop headaches, acne, mood changes or darkening of the skin over your implant. The implant may cause some arm discomfort.
• A woman may have trouble finding a clinician who will remove her implant because a clinician must be specially trained to remove it.
• Implanon does not protect you from HIV or other infections. Use a condom if you or your partner may be at risk.

Where can I get Implanon?

You can get the Implanon implant from your doctor, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, health department, or family planning clinic. Not all clinicians insert implants. Check in advance. Be sure the clinician inserting your Implanon is also experienced at removing implants and will remove them whether or not you are able to pay to have them removed. You will probably be given a date to return about one month after insertion to check out the insertion site and to answer any questions you may have.

What if I have sex and don't use birth control?

For 72 hours AFTER unprotected sex, you can take emergency contraceptive pills to avoid becoming pregnant. For up to 7 days AFTER unprotected sex, you can have an IUD put in. Not all clinicians know about emergency contraception. If you want more information or would like the phone numbers of clinicians near you who prescribe emergency contraception, CALL the toll-free hotline 1-888-NOT-2-LATE or 1-800-584-9911. Some of these sources of help are free.