Implanon is a relatively new hormonal form of birth control that prevents pregnancy for up to three years. This contraceptive implant is inserted underneath the skin of the upper arm. It tends to be more effective as it supplies the body with a steady dose of progestin, so it’s a great alternative for women who have trouble remembering to take daily pills. Implanon was FDA approved in the US in 2006, but has available worldwide since 1998.Irregular bleeding is the most common side effect for women using Implanon. Organon, the manufacturer of Implanon, advises that women should expect their periods to be irregular and unpredictable throughout the time they are using the birth control implant. Professor Martha Hickey and her research team at King Edward Memorial Hospital in Western Australia are conducting a study, funded by the National Institute of Health, to understand why this contraceptive method can often cause sporadic bleeding and ways that this unwanted side effect may be treated. Professor Hickey explains that, “Women in Australia have been the most enthusiastic users of Implanon in the world, it’s been incredibly popular here and continues to be popular.” The study needs women between the ages of 18 and 45 who are planning to use Implanon as a birth control method or are already doing so (for more information on this study).
Implanon Photo Courtesy of S. Linder
