Unintended sterility due to IMPLANON: A female physician developed typical progestagen side effects with constant bleeding, weight gain, loss of libido, facial hair and severe depression shortly after subcutaneous injection of the etonogestrel-containing IMPLANON rod. Treatment of these side effects with other sex hormones failed, and when she wanted to become pregnant, the implant was intended to be removed. However, the rod could not be found despite a thorough search using ultrasound and MRI and surgical exposure of the upper arm twice under general anaesthesia. Even directly after insertion, it had not been palpable in the injection area but etonogestrel blood levels were repeatedly confirmed. The affected physician feels that the injection site at the inside of the upper arm (biceps groove) recommended by the manufacturer is unsuitable as the implant can penetrate into the large blood vessels located there. Her desire for children will probably remain unfulfilled as she will be in her mid-forties when the progestogen effect of the rod will finally subside. "So I have been sterilised involuntarily by the procedure!", is her bitter conclusion (NETZWERK report 13.795). Our NETZWERK has four additional reports on difficulties or failed attempts at removing the implant (12.876, 13.796, 13.797, 13.798). Organon's statement in the product information (as of Jan. 2005) "The user should be informed that the implant can be removed again at any time if she wishes", is not in accordance with facts and reality.