Implanon. The new alternative.
BACKGROUND
It is a long time since Australian women have had any new contraceptive choices available to them. In May 2001, the new progestagen only hormone implant Implanon (containing etonogestrel) was introduced, providing an effective, long term contraceptive option which has few serious adverse effects.


OBJECTIVE
By attending training, doctors can become familiar with the clinical profile of etonogestrel and the techniques involved with its insertion and removal. Only then can they counsel women on its use, select appropriate users, plan the correct timing of insertion and become skilled in the techniques involved.


CONCLUSIONS
Etonogestrel is a well tolerated, third generation progestagen. The implant provides reversible contraception to women across the reproductive age range. There have been few problems with its use and those problems seen have been related to intolerance of progestogenic side effects, poor patient selection and counselling, inappropriate timing of insertion or incorrect insertion techniques.
Cherry
Susan
S
FPA Health Clinics, New South Wales. sue_r_cherry@hotmail.com
D003267:Contraception / Q000379:methods*; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017135:Desogestrel; D020878:Device Removal; D004343:Drug Implants; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D045167:Progesterone Congeners / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014753:Vinyl Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use
D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D004343:Drug Implants; D045167:Progesterone Congeners; D014753:Vinyl Compounds; C044815:etonogestrel; D017135:Desogestrel