Jan
20
Implanon® has been FDA approved for over three years and remains underutilized as one of the most effective hormonal contraceptives ever developed. It is a flexible plastic rod the size of a matchstick that is inserted under the skin on the inner side of a woman’s upper arm. Implanon® contains a progestin called etonogestrel, also found in some birth control pills. Implanon® prevents pregnancy for three years by several mechanisms of action: Inhibiting ovulation, altering cervical mucus to reduce sperm migration, and changing the inner lining of the uterus so it’s unreceptive to egg implantation. The chance of getting pregnant is very low (less than one pregnancy per 100 women who use Implanon® for one year).
Because Implanon® contains only progestin and provides up to 3 years of protection without daily, weekly, or even monthly action, it is well-suited for:
- Women who wish to or need to avoid estrogen (e.g. minimizes attributable side-effects of nausea, headaches, and blood clots)
- Teens who find adherence to a contraceptive regimen difficult
- Current Depo-Provera® users looking for greater convenience & avoiding adverse effects on bone density
- Healthy adult women who desire the convenience of long-term protection
- Women who are breastfeeding
The most common side effect of Implanon® is a change in a woman’s menstrual periods. While menstrual periods may be irregular and unpredictable, there is usually less bleeding, and some women will have no periods. A few women also gain weight.
Implanon® must be removed after three years when the implant runs out of hormones. It also can be removed anytime beforehand if the woman wants to become pregnant, where the ability to conceive returns quickly. In conclusion, most women are satisfied with Implanon®, citing its long duration, high efficacy, and convenience.
PS: We have extra H1N1 vaccine and wish to invite you & your husband to schedule an appointment before the end of flu season in late March
Wishing you good health,
Women’s Health Specialists
2299 Mowry Avenue, Suite #3C
Fremont, CA 94538
510.796.7057
www.WomensHealthFremont.com
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