Implantable contraception

Levonorgestrel implants have been available for over 15 years. The experien ces of over 6 million users of Norplant worldwide have brought about improv ements and several new implants. Implants have many advantages. They are ex tremely effective and immediately reversible with removal. They deliver the lowest dose of progestin that can provide effective contraception. They ar e not coitus-dependent. In addition, they have the potential to decrease me nstrual blood loss, pain associated with endometriosis, and the risk of upp er genital tract infection. Implants are an important option for women who have problems with other types of birth control. New implants decrease the difficulty and time of removal by using one or two capsules. Menstrual irre gularity is the most common side effect of all types of progestin implants.