Contraceptive implant will soon be on the market

Published 9:00 pm Tuesday, July 18, 2006

WASHINGTON – Implantable contraceptives soon will be available again to U.S. women seeking a long-term solution to birth control, with the approval of a matchstick-size rod that can prevent pregnancies for up to three years.

Organon USA Inc. said Tuesday it would begin training doctors in August to implant the contraceptive rod, called Implanon. The Food and Drug Administration approved the 1.5-inch-long rod late Monday.

Implanon provides 99 percent contraceptive protection.

The rod is inserted by a doctor under the skin of the upper arm in a quick surgical procedure that requires only a local anesthetic. Implanon releases a low, steady dose of progestin to prevent pregnancy. Its use can cause irregular bleeding and spotting. For some women, it can eliminate monthly periods altogether.