The new contraceptive, "IMPLANON" is on the market in Australia as of May 1st, 2001.

Women can be liberated to enjoy their personal life, without having to give a thought to contraception for several years. No more stress to remember a daily pill, or deal with other messy or intrusive methods.

Doctors at our practice have attended a special training course in the use of this exciting new contraceptive. Only doctors who are thus certified may offer this product to patients.

This device looks like a 5cm long sliver of spaghetti. It contains a new, slow-release, progesterone-based hormone. This is gradually released into a woman's bloodstream for up to 3 years. The "spaghetti" is gently placed just below the surface of the skin, using a special sterile introducer. This is done by the doctor, usually just inside the left upper arm (or right if she is left handed). With the help of a little local anaesthetic, the procedure is almost painless.

It works in much the same way as the contraceptive pill, by inhibiting ovulation as well as altering the lining of the womb and making the vaginal mucous less friendly to the sperm.

Implanon is an extremely effective contraceptive, with lower reported failure rates than the pill. (Between zero and .7 pregnancies per 1000 women per year). Side effects are uncommon, and also similar to those experienced by some women with the oral contraceptive (Nausea, headaches etc).

If the implant causes problems or is unsatisfactory for any reason, it can be quickly removed, and the effect rapidly ceases. Women who wish to conceive are fertile almost immediately after removal.

The implant is available on a national health prescription for about $20. (It costs the health department about $200). A long consultation with one of our doctors will be required for both insertion and removal of the implant.