Progestogen-only implants are a type of long-acting, reversible contraception. The various types of implants that are considered here are the following:
1. Levonorgestrel (LNG)
a. 6-rod implant, each rod containing 36 mg of LNG (no longer in production).
b. 2-rod implant, each rod containing 75 mg of LNG
2. Etonogestrel (ETG): single-rod implant containing 68 mg of ETG.
When can a woman start progestogen-only implants?
Postpartum (breastfeeding or non-breastfeeding)
- If she is less than 21 days postpartum, she can start implants at any time. No additional contraceptive protection is needed.*
- If she is 21 or more days postpartum and her menstrual cycles have not returned, she can start implants at any time, if it is reasonably certain that she is not pregnant. She will need to abstain from sex or use additional contraceptive protection for the next 2 days.
- If her menstrual cycles have returned, she can start implants as advised for other women having menstrual cycles.
* It is highly unlikely that a woman will ovulate and be at risk of pregnancy during the first 21 days postpartum. However, for programmatic reasons, some contraceptive methods may be provided during this period.