What Is Etonogestrel?

Etonogestrel is a hormone that forms part of contraceptive medicine. The chemical is a form of progesterone, which is naturally present in humans, and helps control fertility in women of childbearing age. Scientists use etonogestrel in two ways, either as the active part of an implanted contraceptive device, or as part of a temporary vaginal device.

Women have menstrual cycles to prepare their bodies for a potential pregnancy. Hormones such as progesterone and estrogen control these cycles. Doctors can prescribe different forms of these regulatory hormones for women to take when they do not wish to be fertile. Etonogestrel is a progesterone, and when a woman adds extra etonogestrel to her body on top of the naturally occurring level, she can prevent her body from releasing an egg.

An implant is one way of delivering extra hormone into the body. Implants are generally small and thin, and a doctor or medical professional injects it into an arm. Although the patient may be able to feel the implant, it is not visible. The implant contains lots of the hormone, but only releases a tiny amount of the hormone at one time. This means that the implant can stay in place over a period of a few years and the woman does not require any other forms of contraception during this time.

People who prefer to use a temporary form of contraception may prefer to use vaginal rings impregnated with etonogestrel and a form of estrogen called ethinyl estradiol. This device releases the hormones from inside the vagina but has the same contraceptive effect as the implant. Certain people are not suitable candidates for etonogestrel contraceptives.

These include pregnant women, those who have recently had a child and women who are breastfeeding. As contraceptives can have adverse effects on the circulatory system, women who have had problems in the past with blood clots or strokes should not use the hormone. Other cases where etonogestrel contraception is not advised include women with liver problems, unusual bleeding from the vagina, or those who have had breast cancer.

Other possible side effects from etonogestrel contraceptive devices include a loss of periods, unusual vaginal bleeding or jaundice. Depression can also occur, and the extremities can swell up in some cases. Some women put on weight or experience pain in the breasts. The hormone contraceptive can protect against unwanted pregnancy, but it cannot prevent sexually transmitted disease (STD.) In situations where a partner may have an STD, a woman should use a barrier method such as a condom as well.