implanon

Uses: This medication is used to prevent pregnancy. It is a thin plastic rod about the size of a matchstick that is inserted under the skin by a health care professional. The rod slowly releases etonogestrel into the body over a 3-year period. The rod must be removed after 3 years and can be replaced if continued birth control is desired. The rod can be removed at any time by a trained health care professional if birth control is no longer desired or there are side effects. It does not contain any estrogen. Etonogestrel (a form of progestin) is a hormone that prevents pregnancy by preventing the release of an egg (ovulation) and by changing the womb and cervical mucus to make it more difficult for an egg to meet sperm (fertilization) or for the fertilized egg to attach to the wall of the womb (implantation). This medication may not work as well in women who are very overweight or those taking certain drugs. (See also Drug Interactions section.) Discuss your birth control options with your doctor. Using this medication does not protect you or your partner against sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., HIV, gonorrhea).