Levonorgestrel-releasing implant

Levonorgestrel-releasing implant
Background
TypeHormonal
Progestogen implant
First use1983 (Finland)[1]
Trade namesNorplant, Jadelle, Sino-implant (II), others[1]
Failure rates (first year)
Perfect use0.05%[2]
Typical use0.05%[2]
Usage
Duration effectup to 5 years[3]
ReversibilityProvided correctly inserted
User remindersAlternative method required after 5 years
Clinic review3 months following insertion
Advantages and disadvantages
STI protectionNo
WeightNo proven effect
Period disadvantagesirregular light spotting
BenefitsNo further user action needed
Medical notes
Possible scarring and difficulty in removal

Levonorgestrel-releasing implant, sold under the brand name Jadelle among others, are devices that release levonorgestrel for birth control.[1] It is one of the most effective forms of birth control with a one-year failure rate around 0.05%.[1][2] The device is placed under the skin and lasts for up to five years.[3] It may be used by women who have a history of pelvic inflammatory disease and therefore cannot use an intrauterine device.[3] Following removal, fertility quickly returns.[3]

It is generally well tolerated with few significant side effects.[1] Side effects may include irregular menstrual periods, no periods, headaches, and breast pain.[3][4] Use is not recommended in people with significant liver disease.[3] The levonorgestrel implant is a type of long-acting reversible birth control.[5] It primarily works by stopping ovulation and by thickening the mucus around the cervix.[4]

A levonorgestrel-releasing implant was approved for medical use in 1983 in Finland and in the United States in 1990.[1] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[6] Levonorgestrel implants are approved in more than 60 countries and used by more than seven million women.[7][8] As of 2015 it is approved but not available in the United States.[1]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Shoupe, Donna; Mishell, Daniel R. Jr. (2015). The Handbook of Contraception: A Guide for Practical Management (2 ed.). Humana Press. p. 141. ISBN 9783319201856. Archived from the original on 2017-09-23.
  2. ^ a b c "Effectiveness of Family Planning Methods" (PDF). CDC. Archived (PDF) from the original on 29 December 2016. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  3. ^ a b c d e f World Health Organization (2009). Stuart MC, Kouimtzi M, Hill SR (eds.). WHO Model Formulary 2008. World Health Organization. p. 373. hdl:10665/44053. ISBN 9789241547659.
  4. ^ a b Corson, S. L.; Derman, R. J. (1995). Fertility Control. CRC Press. p. 195. ISBN 9780969797807. Archived from the original on 2017-09-23.
  5. ^ Contraceptive Research, Introduction, and Use: Lessons From Norplant. National Academies Press. 1998. p. 107. ISBN 9780309059855. Archived from the original on 2017-09-23.
  6. ^ World Health Organization (2019). World Health Organization model list of essential medicines: 21st list 2019. Geneva: World Health Organization. hdl:10665/325771. WHO/MVP/EMP/IAU/2019.06. License: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
  7. ^ Kulczycki, Andrzej (2013). Critical Issues in Reproductive Health. Springer Science & Business Media. p. 16. ISBN 9789400767225. Archived from the original on 2017-09-23.
  8. ^ Siving, Irving; Nash, Harold (2002). Jadelle Levonorgestrel Rod Implants: A Summary of Scientific Data and Lessons Learned from Programmatic Experience. Population Council. p. 4. ISBN 9780878341054. Archived from the original on 2017-09-23.