Contraceptive Use of Implanon in Women with Medical Conditions

Medical Eligibility and Conditions

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends Implanon as a safe and effective contraceptive option for most women, with very few absolute contraindications, making it suitable for women with various medical conditions where estrogen-containing contraceptives might be contraindicated 1, 2
The U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria (US MEC) classifies conditions into four categories for contraceptive use, including Category 1: No restriction for use of the contraceptive method, Category 2: Advantages generally outweigh theoretical or proven risks, Category 3: Theoretical or proven risks usually outweigh advantages, and Category 4: Unacceptable health risk if the contraceptive method is used 3
Implanon is highly recommended for women with conditions where pregnancy poses significant health risks, including cardiovascular disease, thromboembolic disorders, diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, peripartum cardiomyopathy, cystic fibrosis, chronic renal or liver disease, solid organ transplant recipients, HIV infection, and morbid obesity 1, 2

Implanon has a failure rate of less than 0.05%, making it one of the most effective contraceptive methods available 6
Implanon contains no estrogen, making it safe for women who cannot use estrogen-containing contraceptives, including smokers over age 35 1, 5
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends Implanon as a Category 1 or 2 option for most medical conditions, with a typical use failure rate of 0.05% and continuation rates at one year of approximately 84% 6

Implanon is contraindicated (Category 4) in women with current breast cancer 1, 2
Women with a history of stroke, cardiovascular disease, or peripheral vascular disease should avoid estrogen-containing contraceptives and may be suitable for Implanon 5

Implanon may be beneficial for women with primary dysmenorrhea, with a potential reduction in menstrual pain and bleeding 4