The Etonogestrel-Releasing Contraceptive Implant: Why Stop at 3 Years?

Subdermal etonogestrel-releasing implants, which are the most effective contraceptives available, continue to grow in popularity worldwide. Because pharmacokinetic studies indicate that serum etonogestrel levels remain above the threshold for effective contraception beyond 3 years of implant use, the WHO funded a multinational open-label study involving 390 women who wanted to continue using this implant for >3 years.

At 5 years, 204 etonogestrel implant users had retained their implants; of these women, none had become pregnant. Removal of the implant during years 4 and 5 was quick (a mean of 78 seconds) and was considered “easy” 98% of the time.