Exploring Shoulder Placement for the Nexplanon Birth Control Implant
This study wants to find out how the body responds when the birth control implant, Nexplanon, is placed over the shoulder bone instead of in the arm.
Why this Research Matters
Nexplanon is a birth control implant that releases a hormone called etonogestrel in the body to help prevent pregnancy. Nexplanon has been FDA approved to be placed in the arm, but some people cannot have the implant placed there. This study is testing whether placing the implant over the shoulder bone may be an option. Researchers will also study how much hormone is released and how it moves through the body when the implant is placed in this new spot.
What to Expect
If you join the study, you will come to the CU Medicine-Lowry clinic for a visit. At this first visit, you will have Nexplanon placed over your shoulder bone for three years. At your follow-up visits, the study team will collect some urine for a pregnancy test and small amounts of blood to measure hormone levels. You will also fill out surveys and answer questions about your mood, period, and any side effects you may have. Between study visits, you will be asked to keep a bleeding diary to track any bleeding or spotting. At the final visit, the Nexplanon implant will be removed.
Study Duration
You will be in this study for three years and have seven clinic visits.
Who can Participate
You may be able to join the study if you:
- Are a healthy female
- Are between 18 and 45 years old
- Are not planning on getting pregnant in the next 3 years
- Have a history of breast cancer
- Have liver cancer
- Have a history of blood clots
- Plan to have any new tattoos, body piercings, or scarification over the shoulder bone
Study ID
Protocol Number: 26-0782
Compensation Information
Meet the Team
Principal Investigator