The Contraceptive Implant and the Injectable: A Comparison of Costs

John M. Westfall Deborah S. Main

First published online:

Abstract / Summary

A comparison of the relative costs of the injectable contraceptive (depot medroxyprogesterone acetate) and the hormonal implant (Norplant®) indicates that the implant is a less costly contraceptive option when it is used for its full five-year lifespan. Over a five-year period, the implant costs $107 annually, compared with $140 per year for the injectable. However, if a woman discontinues the implant before she has used it for at least four years, the injectable becomes the less costly option. Relatively high continuation rates--around 95% annually--are necessary to make the implant the more cost-effective contraceptive method.

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