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Subdermal implant for birth control

The progestin-only hormone implant (Implanon)

The progestin-only hormone implant releases hormones that prevent pregnancy for 3 years. It must be inserted and removed by a trained health professional. The actual implant is about the size of a matchstick and is inserted under the skin on the inside of the upper arm.

Primary Medical Reviewer Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Kirtly Jones, MD
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Updated May 22, 2008

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 22, 2008
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