New birth control method approved

A new contraceptive device that could revolutionize birth control has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is currently offered in Southwest Florida by Physicians' Primary Care of Southwest Florida.

Dr. Paul Joslyn, a gynecologist with the primary care group, is the first physician in Southwest Florida to be trained in administering IMPLANON™, which is implanted under the skin of the upper arm and is effective for up to three years. He will be training other physicians in Southwest Florida over the next few months regarding proper insertion of the device.

IMPLANON™ is a flexible plastic rod the size of a matchstick that is placed under the skin and contains a hormone called etonogestrel. Because IMPLANON ™ does not contain estrogen, physicians may recommend it even if patients cannot use estrogen.

"This represents a real advancement in contraceptive technology and will provide women with a new level of confidence in contraception," Joslyn said.

Approximately 2.5 million women in more than 30 countries have used IMPLANON ™ worldwide since 1998. If IMPLANON ™ is inserted correctly, chances of becoming pregnant are less than one pregnancy per 100 women, according to the manufacturer.

"Even the best intentioned women can have difficulty using their birth control method consistently, which can lead to unintended pregnancy. IMPLANON™ is a hopeful alternative for women who prefer not to think about birth control every day, week, or month," Joslyn said.

The most common side effect reported is irregular bleeding, including more or less bleeding or absence of bleeding that may vary throughout the duration of use.

Women who wish to become pregnant may have the implant removed at any time, Joslyn said.

Physicians' Primary Care of Southwest Florida, a physician-owned and operated medical practice, was formed in 1996 and has grown to become the largest independent multi-specialty practice in Southwest Florida with more than 50 physicians.

Medical specialties include internal medicine, family practice, obstetrics, gynecology, and pediatrics. Nine offices are conveniently located in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Lehigh Acres. ¦