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Contraception - Management
What follow-up arrangement should I consider for a woman using the progestogen-only implant?

  • No routine follow up is required once the progestogen-only implant has been inserted.
  • Healthy implant users are advised to return:
    • When it is time to have the implant removed.
    • At any time they wish to discuss changing the method, adverse effects, or other problems:
Clarification / Additional information
  • Duration of use of the progestogen-only implant
    • Implanon® is licensed to provide contraception for 3 years.
    • However, earlier replacement of the implant should be considered for heavier women.
Basis for recommendation
  • These recommendations follow guidelines published by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence [National Collaborating Centre for Women's and Children's Health, 2005].
  • Duration of use of the progestogen-only implant
    • The manufacture states that:
      • The contraceptive effect of Implanon® is related to the plasma levels of etonogestrel, which are inversely related to body weight, and decrease with time after insertion. The clinical experience with Implanon® in heavier women in the third year of use is limited. Therefore it can not be excluded that the contraceptive effect in these women during the third year of use may be lower than for women of normal weight. Clinicians may therefore consider earlier replacement of the implant in heavier women [Organon Laboratories Limited, 2010].

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