An implantable form of long term hormonal contraception that provides five years of protection against pregnancy is being fully subsidised in New Zealand from 1 August 2010. Jadelle implant (delivering levonorgestrel 75mg) has been available privately, but the upfront cost has been a barrier to some women, says Family Planning Chief Executive Jackie Edmond. The two Jadelle soft plastic rods must be inserted under the skin of the upper arm by a doctor trained to insert and remove them. Training for Family Planning doctors is commencing over the next three months; check with Family Planning for availability in your area. Ms Edmond says, "We know they're highly effective, once they're in place women don't need to remember to take a pill every day, and they work for up to five years. Women can have them removed if they decide they would like to become pregnant - fertility returns to normal soon after removal." Pharmac acting medical director, Dr Dilky Rasiah, expects a range of women to take advantage of the implants: “These could include women who are not ready to have children, or women who have completed their families, but who don’t want to have a surgical sterilisation,” she says. Dr Rasiah says women considering the contraceptive implants should discuss the options with their doctor, and Pharmac expects up to 30,000 women will use the implants over five years.