Planning parenthood is becoming more convenient with a new birth control method called Implanon, an option that lasts up to three years and is available at Lafene Health Center.

Implanon is a plastic rod placed in a woman's arm, according to Implanon's Web site, wwww.implanon-usa.com.

According to the Web site, Implanon works by preventing the ovary from releasing eggs as well as changing mucus found in the cervix. This can prevent the egg from being fertilized and is more than 99 percent effective.

"The chance of getting pregnant is less than one pregnancy per 100 women who use Implanon for one year when Implanon is inserted correctly," said Theresa Doyle, health educator at Lafene.

"Because Implanon is effective for three years, it does not require the woman to remember to take a daily pill," Doyle said. "Some women prefer Implanon because of this convenience."

The most common method of birth control among college students is the pill, she said.

"I think this is a good method for people who think they'd have trouble remembering to take a pill every day," said Annisa Shockey, president of Sexual Health Awareness Peer Educators and senior in biology.

Interested women can receive Implanon from Lafene or the Women's Health Group in Manhattan for $700 for placement of the rod and $150 for removal at Lafene. Many insurance companies do cover Implanon, but women without insurance can get reduced rates at the health department, Doyle said.

Women should have an annual well-woman exam regardless of whether they are using birth control, Doyle said. The exam includes a breast and pelvic exam as well as an opportunity to provide information to the patient like asking about birth control or answering any further questions the patient might have, said Carol Kennedy, director of health promotion.

Implanon might be less effective in women who are severely overweight or are taking certain types of medications, Doyle said.

"Implanon must be removed by the end of the third year and may be replaced with a new Implanon," Doyle said.

According to Implanon's Web site, the most common side effect of using this method is bleeding. Other effects which could result from insertion and are temporary are pain, swelling, bruising, scarring and expulsion of the implant, which rarely occurs.

"Each woman should discuss with her provider which method of birth control would work best for her," Doyle said.

"Implanon, as well as other types of birth control, will not protect against STDs," Doyle said. "Condoms, if used correctly, can help protect against STDs, as well as adding extra birth control protection."