Lasting solutions for women on Implanon

An Australian research consortium has today called for 500 women around Australia to volunteer to help find a solution for a troublesome side effect of the popular sub-dermal implant contraceptive, Implanon.

“Currently about 25% of women who want to use Implanon have to discontinue its use because of the side–effect of frequent or prolonged bleeding”, said Ms Erika Ferguson, a University of Queensland research assistant in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology division at the Mater Hospital.

“The new phase of the study will use combinations of already proven treatments to try and allow women to have a predictable bleeding cycle while on Implanon,” Ms Ferguson said.

“We have already discovered several treatments that are successful in stopping individual episodes of bleeding. We now need 500 volunteers who are currently using Implanon to trial the effectiveness of these treatments and combinations of these treatments in regulating long-term bleeding.”

The study is a coup for Australian research and development as the $US 1.3 million grant is funded by the prestigious National Institutes of Health based in the United States of America.

When Implanon was introduced to the Australian market in May 2001, it was welcomed by women as one of the most convenient and effective contraceptives available. Almost 300,000 Australian women have used Implanon and enjoyed its advantages. Benefits include its long-lasting effect (the implant lasts for three years unless removed) and high effectiveness in preventing pregnancy (at least 99.9%).

“If our study is successful, it will improve the social well-being of Australian women; advance contraceptive choice; and reduce costs to the community,” Ms Ferguson said.

Women wanting to be involved in the study should contact Ms Ferguson at womens.health@uq.edu.au or telephone 3840 8161.

The research consortium is made up of the Sydney Centre for Reproductive Health Research (the Research Division of FPA Health); The Prince Henry’s Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne; The Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne; The University of Western Australia, Perth; and The University of Queensland, Brisbane.

Media: For more information contact Erika Ferguson (telephone 0417 493 458) or Ashley Wood, Manager, Communication & Public Affairs FPA Health (telephone 0408 556 108 or 02 8752 4352).