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Risks
By Mayo Clinic staffImplanon doesn't offer protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Less than 1 out of 100 women who use Implanon for one year will get pregnant. If you do conceive while using Implanon, there's a higher chance that the pregnancy will be ectopic — when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube.
Side effects associated with Implanon include:
- Abdominal or back pain
- Acne
- An increased risk of noncancerous ovarian cysts
- Changes in vaginal bleeding patterns, including absence of menstruation (amenorrhea) — although irregular bleeding may lessen within three to nine months
- Decreased sex drive
- Dizziness
- Hair loss
- Headaches
- Mild insulin resistance
- Mood swings and depression
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Potential interaction with other medications
- Sore breasts
- Vaginal inflammation or dryness
- Viral infections
- Weight gain
References
- Schorge JO, et al. Contraception and sterilization. In: Schorge JO, et al. Williams Gynecology. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3151449. Accessed Nov. 21, 2011.
- Implanon (prescribing information). Kenilworth, N.J.: Merck & Co., Inc.; 2009. http://www.implanon-usa.com/en/HCP/learn-about-it/full-prescribing-information/index.asp. Accessed Nov. 21, 2011.
- Birth control methods fact sheet. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/birth-control-methods.cfm. Accessed Nov. 21, 2011.
- Nexplanon (prescribing information). Kenilworth, N.J.: Merck & Co., Inc.; 2011. http://www.merck.com/product/prescription-products/home.html. Accessed Nov. 21, 2011.
- Darney PD. Etonogestrel contraceptive implant. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 21, 2011.
- Raymond EG. Contraceptive implants. In: Hatcher RA, et al. Contraceptive Technology. 20th ed. New York, N.Y.: Ardent Media, Inc.; 2011:193.
- Etonogestrel implant. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/index.cfm?fuseaction=Search.DrugDetails. Accessed Nov. 18, 2011.
- Harms RW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 25, 2011.
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