Research Trial:
Researchers at Monash Medical Centre, Clayton in collaboration with the World Health Organisation are trialing a new male contraceptive method. We need healthy couples living in a stable relationship and not planning pregnancy for two years.
more details >>

Prince Henry’s Institute, Australia’s leading reproductive research institute, is one of five Australian research institutes to share a grant of US $1.3 million from the prestigious National Institutes of Health USA, to study the side effects of the long-acting contraceptive, Implanon.

“It’s fantastic that Australian scientists have received this prestigious grant to improve the acceptability of long-acting contraceptives, not just for Australian women, but for women worldwide,” said Professor Jock Findlay of Prince Henry’s Institute.

Since its introduction in 2001, over 160,000 Australian women have started using the long-acting contraceptive, Implanon. More than 860,000 devices have been inserted worldwide.

Implanon is a small rod, which inserted in the upper arm, administers a low dose hormone that prevents ovulation for three years. However up to 20 per cent of women discontinue use of the contraceptive within one year due to irregular bleeding.

The grant will be used to investigate treatment options to counter the side effects. Clinical trials starting in 2003, will involve 500 women over five years. Victorian clinical trials will be held at the Royal Women’s Hospital. Laboratory research will be carried out concurrently with the national trial.

“Prince Henry’s Institute will examine the endometrial tissue samples from the women in the trial, to help determine what triggers the bleeding and analyse the effects of the various treatments,” Professor Findlay said.

“Basic research in our labs over the past ten years has helped us to develop some of the treatment options – we are hopeful we will be able to assist in finding the right treatment to alleviate this problem,” Professor Findlay said.

Although the research will focus on Implanon, it is expected to be applicable also to other long -acting contraceptives, including DepoProvera.

The research consortium is made up of the Sydney Centre for Reproductive Health Research, FPA Health, Sydney, Prince Henry’s Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, The Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, the University of Western Australia, Perth and the University of Queensland, Brisbane.

For further information contact: Ian Muchamore (03) 9594 4049

© Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research Disclaimer | Links to other sites
ABN 48 132 025 024