Last update April 27, 2026

Etonogestrel

Compatible

Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.

Progestin, active metabolite of desogestrel. It is used as a progestogen-only contraceptive in the form of a subcutaneous implant for 3 years or associated with ethinylestradiol in the form of a vaginal ring 3 out of 4 weeks.

It is excreted in breast milk in negligible amount (Reinprayoon 2000) and no problems were observed in infants whose mothers used this medication. (de Nadai 2025, Carmo 2017, Bahamondes 2013, Brito 2009, Taneepanichskul 2006)

Although it is considered safer to start using it after 4-6 postnatal weeks (Berens 2015), there have been studies that found that implants applied early in the first days or hours after birth does not affect either production or milk composition and growth of infants. (de Nadai 2025, SMFM 2019, Krashin 2019, Carmo 2017, Bryant 2017, Lopez 2015, Braga 2015, Phillips 2015, WHO/OMS 2015, Mwalwanda 2013, CDC 2013, Gurtcheff 201, Duvan 2010, Hohmann 2009)

One in 100 women using etonogestrel implants may have a significant decrease in milk production, so it is advisable to monitor the growth of the infant. (Stuebe 2016)

For a detailed discussion with references:

  • on why non-hormonal methods are the first choice during the first 4–6 weeks postpartum, followed by IUDs and progestin implants,
  • on the potential problems associated with the use of combined estrogen-progestin contraceptives,
  • the possible decrease in milk production with estrogen use,
  • and why progestin-only contraceptives are preferable during breastfeeding,

see below: “(Combined Estrogen + Progestin Contraceptives, COCs)”


See below the information of these related products:

Alternatives

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

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Other names

Etonogestrel is also known as


Etonogestrel in other languages or writings:

Group

Etonogestrel belongs to this group or family:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Etonogestrel in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Molecular weight 325 daltons
Protein Binding 96 - 99 %
VD 3.1 l/Kg
Tmax 200 hours
T½ 25 hours
M/P ratio 0.5 -
Theoretical Dose 0.00003 mg/Kg/d
Relative Dose 2.2 %

References

  1. de Nadai MN, Martins Linhares MB, de Lima Rodrigues Sisdeli JC, de Melo Pereira do Carmo LS, Braga GC, Ferreira LS, Quintana SM, Vieira CS. Effects of the immediate postpartum insertion of the etonogestrel implant on the development of breastfed infants: Results from a randomized controlled trial. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2025 Dec;171(3):1223-1230. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  2. Levi EE, Avila K, Wu H. Immediate postpartum contraceptive implant placement and breastfeeding success in postpartum people at risk for low milk supply: A randomized non-inferiority trial. Contraception. 2025 Apr;144:110806. Abstract
  3. Krashin JW, Lemani C, Nkambule J, Talama G, Chinula L, Flax VL, Stuebe AM, Tang JH. A Comparison of Breastfeeding Exclusivity and Duration Rates Between Immediate Postpartum Levonorgestrel Versus Etonogestrel Implant Users: A Prospective Cohort Study. Breastfeed Med. 2019 Jan/Feb;14(1):69-76. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  4. Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM). Electronic address: pubs@smfm.org., Vricella LK, Gawron LM, Louis JM. Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) Consult Series #48: Immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraception for women at high risk for medical complications. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2019 May;220(5):B2-B12. Abstract
  5. Carmo LSMP, Braga GC, Ferriani RA, Quintana SM, Vieira CS. Timing of Etonogestrel-Releasing Implants and Growth of Breastfed Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Obstet Gynecol. 2017 Abstract
  6. Bryant AG, Bauer AE, Stuart GS, Levi EE, Zerden ML, Danvers A, Garrett JM. Etonogestrel-Releasing Contraceptive Implant for Postpartum Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2017 Jun;30(3):389-394. Abstract
  7. Phillips SJ, Tepper NK, Kapp N, Nanda K, Temmerman M, Curtis KM. Progestogen-only contraceptive use among breastfeeding women: a systematic review. Contraception. 2016;94:226-52. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  8. Stuebe AM, Bryant AG, Lewis R, Muddana A. Association of Etonogestrel-Releasing Contraceptive Implant with Reduced Weight Gain in an Exclusively Breastfed Infant: Report and Literature Review. Breastfeed Med. 2016 Abstract
  9. Berens P, Labbok M; Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. Protocolo clínico de la ABM n.º 13: Anticoncepción durante la lactancia, revisado en 2015. Breastfeed Med. 2015 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  10. Braga GC, Ferriolli E, Quintana SM, Ferriani RA, Pfrimer K, Vieira CS. Immediate postpartum initiation of etonogestrel-releasing implant: A randomized controlled trial on breastfeeding impact. Contraception. 2015 Abstract
  11. Lopez LM, Grey TW, Stuebe AM, Chen M, Truitt ST, Gallo MF. Combined hormonal versus nonhormonal versus progestin-only contraception in lactation. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015 Abstract
  12. Merk. Implanon. Product Monograph. 2015 Full text (in our servers)
  13. AEMPS-Merk. Implanon. Ficha técnica. 2014 Full text (in our servers)
  14. Gurtcheff SE, Turok DK, Stoddard G, Murphy PA, Gibson M, Jones KP. Lactogenesis after early postpartum use of the contraceptive implant: a randomized controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol. 2011 Abstract
  15. Duvan Cİ, Gözdemir E, Kaygusuz I, Kamalak Z, Turhan NÖ. Etonogestrel contraceptive implant (Implanon): analysis of patient compliance and adverse effects in the breastfeeding period. J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc. 2010 Abstract
  16. Hohmann H. Examining the efficacy, safety, and patient acceptability of the etonogestrel implantable contraceptive. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2009 Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  17. Brito MB, Ferriani RA, Quintana SM, Yazlle ME, Silva de Sá MF, Vieira CS. Safety of the etonogestrel-releasing implant during the immediate postpartum period: a pilot study. Contraception. 2009 Abstract
  18. Taneepanichskul S, Reinprayoon D, Thaithumyanon P, Praisuwanna P, Tosukhowong P, Dieben T. Effects of the etonogestrel-releasing implant Implanon and a nonmedicated intrauterine device on the growth of breast-fed infants. Contraception. 2006 Abstract
  19. Reinprayoon D, Taneepanichskul S, Bunyavejchevin S, Thaithumyanon P, Punnahitananda S, Tosukhowong P, Machielsen C, van Beek A. Effects of the etonogestrel-releasing contraceptive implant (Implanon on parameters of breastfeeding compared to those of an intrauterine device. Contraception. 2000 Abstract
  20. WHO. Progestogen-only contraceptives during lactation: II. Infant development. World Health Organization, Task Force for Epidemiological Research on Reproductive Health; Special Programme of Research, Development, and Research Training in Human Reproduction. Contraception. 1994 Abstract
  21. World Health Organization (WHO) Task Force on Oral Contraceptives. Effects of hormonal contraceptives on breast milk composition and infant growth. Stud Fam Plann. 1988 Abstract

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