Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
How Long Is An Implanon Effective?
Question: Just realised implanoon is expired 2 months I've always had regular periods and had one last week am I at risk of pregancy
Brief Answer:
Implanon is effective up to 3 years, but it can actuallywork up to 4 years.
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.
According to the manufacturer, Implanon is effective for up to three years of contraception. Some medical studies suggest that it can work for up to 4 years, but most recommend that you get a new Implanon after the start of the third year. (If you look at Wikipedia under Implanon it summarizes these studies, with up to 4 years protection for off-label use).
So if you have had yours slightly longer than the 3 years recommended, it is still most likely that you are protected against pregnancy.
To be extra safe, using a secondary method of contraception (like withdrawal, spermicide or condoms) would be safest, but in general use, the failure rate of Implanon is highest in the first year of use (5/1000 women/year) but no accidental pregnancies have been reported in the following years.
So in summary, I do not think you need to immediately worry about pregnancy, but you should schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to get a new Implanon or other alternative birth control method at your earliest convenience. You may use a backup method of contraception to ease your mind, but studies have shown that Implanon can be effective for up to 4 years.
I hope I was able to adequately answer your question today and that this information was helpful.
If you need anything further, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best wishes,
Dr. Brown
Implanon is effective up to 3 years, but it can actuallywork up to 4 years.
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.
According to the manufacturer, Implanon is effective for up to three years of contraception. Some medical studies suggest that it can work for up to 4 years, but most recommend that you get a new Implanon after the start of the third year. (If you look at Wikipedia under Implanon it summarizes these studies, with up to 4 years protection for off-label use).
So if you have had yours slightly longer than the 3 years recommended, it is still most likely that you are protected against pregnancy.
To be extra safe, using a secondary method of contraception (like withdrawal, spermicide or condoms) would be safest, but in general use, the failure rate of Implanon is highest in the first year of use (5/1000 women/year) but no accidental pregnancies have been reported in the following years.
So in summary, I do not think you need to immediately worry about pregnancy, but you should schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to get a new Implanon or other alternative birth control method at your earliest convenience. You may use a backup method of contraception to ease your mind, but studies have shown that Implanon can be effective for up to 4 years.
I hope I was able to adequately answer your question today and that this information was helpful.
If you need anything further, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best wishes,
Dr. Brown
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Naveen Kumar
so despite having inter course in the last 2 months I should be protected and having had my period during this time I's a good sign it's scheduled to be removed and replaced on monday
Brief Answer:
Yes you should be protected from pregnancy.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
Yes if you have had regular periods, even though you have been having intercourse, the Implanon should prevent you from ovulating so you should still be protected against pregnancy. If your period is late, you should do a pregnancy test, but if you are getting your Implanon replaced in a few days and your period came on time this past cycle, you really do not have to worry.
I hope everything works out with your removal and replacement. It takes a bit longer than the insertion, but usually it is not a difficult procedure.
Regards,
Dr. Brown
Yes you should be protected from pregnancy.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
Yes if you have had regular periods, even though you have been having intercourse, the Implanon should prevent you from ovulating so you should still be protected against pregnancy. If your period is late, you should do a pregnancy test, but if you are getting your Implanon replaced in a few days and your period came on time this past cycle, you really do not have to worry.
I hope everything works out with your removal and replacement. It takes a bit longer than the insertion, but usually it is not a difficult procedure.
Regards,
Dr. Brown
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
