Implanon contraceptive implant was FDA-approved in July 2006. This implant contraceptive consists of a thin rod, 40 mm in length and 2 mm in diameter and is made from a flexible plastic (it is latex and silicone free). Implanon is a progestin-only contraceptive option (so it is a type of hormonal birth control method). It continually releases a low dose of etonogestrel (a progestin) to protect against pregnancy for up to 3 years.
Insertion requires a local anesthetic and only takes a few minutes. The implant can also be removed anytime before the 3 years are up. Implanon is a safe, highly effective and discreet birth control method. After removal, a woman’s ability to become pregnant usually returns quickly.
