Global Introduction of a Low-Cost Contraceptive Implant

Hormone-releasing subdermal implants are a safe, highly effective, and reversible form of contraception that provides continuous pregnancy protection for 3–5 years depending on the type of implant. Implants are among the most effective forms of contraception available; efficacy is comparable to other long-acting and permanent methods including the intrauterine device (IUD) and sterilization, with annual pregnancy rates less than 1 % for women using these methods (Mansour et al. 2010). However, unlike the IUD or female sterilization which requires a gynecological procedure, implants are inserted under the skin of a woman’s upper arm. Because no regular action is required by the user and no routine resupply or clinical follow-up is needed, implants are widely seen as an ideal method for women with limited access to health services, particularly women in developing countries (Frost and Reich 2008). However, despite the advantages of this method, worldwide use of implants is low: whereas 56 % of married women between the ages of 15 and 49 around the globe use a modern method of contraception, less than 1 % use implants (United Nations 2011).