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Mechanism of action

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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A contraceptive implant such as Norplant works by releasing levonorgestrel into the bloodstream. Levonorgestrel has several modes of action:

  • an increases cervical viscosity, thus making sperm penetration more difficult
  • there is a suppression of ovulation in approximately half of all menstrual cycles
  • if ovulation occurs, the luteal phase is often deficient, so inhibiting fertilisation
  • endometrial proliferation is supressed, so hindering implantation

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