TABLE 4.

Suggested Changes to Biodegradable Implant Products

CharacteristicSuggested Change
Size
  • Combine Casea S into 1 pellet

  • Make Yale rod smaller/shorter

Material
  • Make softer/more flexible

  • Make both products out of “natural” materials (Kenya only)

  • Remove/reduce cholesterol (Senegal only)

  • Ensure non-hormonal portion also dissolves in 18 months or short time after (Kenya only)

Visibility/

palpability

  • Palpable throughout duration (Senegal only)

Duration
  • Increase duration to 2–3 years or 3–5 years (more common in Senegal, less in Kenya)

  • Reduce duration to 6 months to 1 year, or provide different options for duration (fewer respondents mentioned)

Removability
  • Removability for full duration (more common in Senegal, less in Kenya)

Side effects
  • Reduce side effects, especially menstrual changes