The effects of Implanon® on menstrual bleeding patterns

Etonogestrel Implants in Adolescents: Experience, Satisfaction, and Continuation

PURPOSE

Few studies have evaluated the use of etonogestrel subdermal implants (ESI) by U.S. adolescents. We assessed several factors, including continuation rates, the association of implant removal with postimplant management of nuisance bleeding, and the relation between bleeding and body mass index.

METHODS

We reviewed 116 charts from all adolescent females with ESI placement in our adolescent medicine clinic from January 2010 to August 2013. Data were obtained from follow-up encounters up to 36 months after insertion.

RESULTS

Of the 116 adolescents, 94% were nulliparous. Follow-up data were available for 81% (n = 94). Early ESI removal was defined as removal <32 months. ESI continuation rates at 12, 24, and 32 months were 78%, 50%, and 40%, respectively; this represents an early removal rate of 35% (33 of 94). Nuisance bleeding occurred in 48% (45 of 94). Of those complaining of bleeding, 63% (25 of 40) received medication management. Resolution of bleeding occurred in 25% of those in the early removal group versus 15% in the full retention group. Early implant removal due to nuisance bleeding occurred in 18% (17 of 94). There was no significant association between body mass index, nuisance bleeding, and early ESI removal.

CONCLUSIONS

Implant continuation rates were quite high at 12 and 24 months, with 40% of patients reaching 32 months retention, providing a significant period of pregnancy prevention. Treatments for nuisance bleeding were often not prescribed and when they were, medication regimens varied among providers. An evidence-based protocol for medication management, combined with more routine use of appropriate medications and preventive or long-term therapies, may help improve continuation of ESI.

Efficacy and Safety of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception in Women With Cardiovascular Conditions

The physiological changes that occur during pregnancy can be deleterious to women with a cardiovascular condition. Evidence-based contraceptive counseling and provision is essential in this patient population. Although long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs), which include the intrauterine device (IUD) and the etonogestrel contraceptive implant, have been found to be safe and effective in healthy women, there are inadequate data regarding LARC use in patients with cardiovascular conditions. We conducted a retrospective chart review of women diagnosed with cardiovascular disease who had a copper IUD, levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system or contraceptive implant placed at the University of Washington Medical Center from 2007 to 2012. We abstracted and analyzed patient demographic characteristics, medical conditions, indications for LARC placement, and complications. The sample included 470 women with cardiovascular conditions. The mean age was 34.6 years. One hundred twenty-four patients (26.11%) were nulligravid and 169 patients (35.58%) were nulliparous. Four hundred ten chose the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (87.23%), 33 patients (7.02%) opted for the copper IUD, and 23 patients (4.89%) chose the etonogestrel implant. Eighteen patients (3.83%) had a confirmed IUD expulsion, 2 patients (0.43%) became pregnant, and there were 4 cases of pelvic inflammatory disease (0.85%). There were no cases of perforation. There were no confirmed cases of infective endocarditis associated with LARC insertion. In conclusion, LARC devices appear safe with few complications for women with cardiovascular conditions. Clinicians can be reassured that LARC may be offered as an appropriate option when counseling women with cardiovascular disease on safe contraceptive methods.

A prospective cohort study of early postpartum etonogestrel implant (Implanon®) use and its effect on duration of lochia

BACKGROUND

Etonogestrel (ENG) implants (Implanon(®)/Nexplanon(®)/Implanon NXT(®)) are employed as contraception in early postpartum patients. Follow-up is often not conducted by the hospital prescriber. Little is known about duration of lochia, in a modern setting, and even less is known about the effect of ENG implants on lochia.

AIMS

To determine if early postpartum (pre-discharge) insertion of Implanon for contraception was associated with a significant difference in duration of lochia. To record the number of patients who went on to have their Implanon removed during the study period and the reasons for removal.

METHODS

Prospective cohort study of 152 postpartum patients from a tertiary maternity unit in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. The treatment group was women requesting Implanon prior to discharge. Controls were recruited from the same unit over the same time period, with the aim to match for birth weight and parity. Information was collected during face-to-face interviews or via telephone contact. Multivariate survival analysis was used to investigate lochia duration.

RESULTS

There were 73 controls and 79 women who had early postpartum Implanon inserted. Fourteen (17.7%) patients in the treatment group had their Implanon removed during the postpartum study period. In all of these cases the reason for removal was bleeding disturbance - prolonged or intermittent vaginal bleeding beyond 50 days postpartum. There was no significant difference in duration of lochia between the groups [median predicted duration 25 days (95% CI 22-27) in controls and 24 days (95% CI 21-26) in the treatment group].

CONCLUSIONS

Early postpartum insertion of Implanon for contraception was not associated with a statistically or clinically significant difference in duration of lochia.

Contraception and endometriosis: challenges, efficacy, and therapeutic importance

Endometriosis is a benign gynecological condition that is estimated to affect 10% of women in the general population and appears to be increasing in incidence. It is an estrogen-dependent inflammatory disease, and is primarily characterized by dysmenorrhea, deep dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain, and variable effects on fertility. The symptoms may greatly affect quality of life, and symptom control may be the primary aim of initial management, while contraceptive effect is often secondary. It is estimated that 30%–50% of women with endometriosis have an infertility problem, so a considerable number of endometriosis sufferers will require effective, planned contraception to maximize “protection of fertility” and prevent progression of the endometriotic condition. Ideally, this contraception should also provide symptom relief and improvement of physical, mental, and social well-being. At the present time, long-term progestogens appear to be the most effective choice for meeting all of these requirements, but other options need to be considered. It is becoming increasingly recognized that hormonal contraceptive systems are necessary for prevention of disease recurrence following surgical treatment of endometriosis. The personal preferences of the woman are an integral part of the final contraceptive choice. This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the contraceptive options available to women with endometriosis.

Bleeding profile in users of an etonogestrel sub-dermal implant: effects of anthropometric variables. An observational uncontrolled preliminary study in Italian population

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the menstrual profile in users of the etonogestrel (ENG)-releasing implant (Nexplanon®) and the possible correlation with anthropometric variables.

METHODS

Ninety-two healthy women, desiring long-term contraception with the ENG implant were enrolled in a prospective observational study. Anthropometric variables were measured at baseline and after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Patients recorded daily the occurrence of any bleeding or spotting. The bleeding/spotting pattern was evaluated over consecutive 90-day intervals ("Reference Periods" - RPs). Patients who showed a favourable bleeding profile (amenorrhoea, infrequent, or normal bleeding) for 50% or more of the RPs were assigned to group A, while patients with a favourable bleeding profile for less than 50% of the RPs were assigned to group B.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight women (79%) were assigned to group A; 18 (21%) to group B. Group B had a lower baseline body mass index (BMI) than group A (24.84 ± 4.95 kg/m(2) versus 20.75 ± 4.41 kg/m(2); p < 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

The ENG sub-dermal implant is a well-tolerated contraceptive method, with a high proportion of women experiencing a favourable bleeding profile. The lower basal BMI in Group B in comparison with Group A may account for the higher percentage of irregular bleeding.

Complications and continuation rates associated with 2 types of long-acting contraception

OBJECTIVE

We sought to compare complication and continuation rates of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) with the subdermal etonogestrel (ENG) implant across the United States among girls and women 15-44 years of age.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective study of health insurance claims records from 2007 through 2011 identified a cohort of women who had LNG-IUS (n = 79,920) or ENG implants (n = 7374) inserted and had insurance coverage for 12 months postinsertion. Claims for complications were examined 12 months after insertion, or until removal of either device within each of 3 age groups.

RESULTS

After its introduction in 2007, the frequency of ENG implants increased each year and almost a third of all insertions were in teenagers. However, among women ≤24 years old who had delivered an infant in the prior 8 weeks, a LNG-IUS was more likely to be inserted than an ENG implant (P < .05). The most frequent complications with both methods were related to abnormal menstruation, which was more likely to occur among ENG implant users. Overall, 83-88% of the entire sample used their chosen method for at least 12 months. The odds of continuation were similar for both methods among teenagers, but ENG implants were more likely to be removed prematurely among women 20-24 years old (odds ratio, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.39) and 25-44 years old (odds ratio, 1.49; 95% confidence interval, 1.35-1.64).

CONCLUSION

Both of these long-acting contraceptive methods are well tolerated among women of all ages, and demonstrate high continuation rates.

Long-acting reversible contraception in the pediatric emergency department: clinical implications and common challenges

Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is recommended as first-line contraception for adolescents and young adults. As the use of LARC increases, pediatric emergency medicine clinicians should be able to recognize different types of LARC and address their common adverse effects, adverse reactions, and complications. This continuing medical education activity provides an overview of LARC and will assist clinicians in the evaluation and management of patients with LARC-associated complaints.

Association of short-term bleeding and cramping patterns with long-acting reversible contraceptive method satisfaction

OBJECTIVE

We sought to examine the short-term (3- and 6-month), self-reported bleeding and cramping patterns with intrauterine devices (IUDs) and the contraceptive implant, and the association of these symptoms with method satisfaction.

STUDY DESIGN

We analyzed 3- and 6-month survey data from IUD and implant users in the Contraceptive CHOICE Project, a prospective cohort study. Participants who received a long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) method (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system [LNG-IUS], copper IUD, or the etonogestrel implant) and completed their 3- and 6-month surveys were included. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to examine the association of bleeding and cramping patterns with short-term satisfaction.

RESULTS

Our analytic sample included 5011 Contraceptive CHOICE Project participants: 3001 LNG-IUS users, 826 copper IUD users, and 1184 implant users. At 3 months, >65% of LNG-IUS and implant users reported no change or decreased cramping, while 63% of copper IUD users reported increased menstrual cramping. Lighter bleeding was reported by 67% of LNG-IUS users, 58% of implant users, and 8% of copper IUD users. Satisfaction of all LARC methods was high (≥90%). LARC users with increased menstrual cramping (relative risk adjusted [RRadj], 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72-0.85), heavier bleeding (RRadj, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.76-0.92), and increased bleeding frequency (RRadj, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.67-0.80) were less likely to report being very satisfied at 6 months.

CONCLUSION

Regardless of the LARC method, satisfaction at 3 and 6 months is very high. Changes in self-reported bleeding and cramping are associated with short-term LARC satisfaction.

Contraception for adolescents

A working knowledge of contraception will assist the pediatrician in both sexual health promotion as well as treatment of common adolescent gynecologic problems. Best practices in adolescent anticipatory guidance and screening include a sexual health history, screening for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, counseling, and if indicated, providing access to contraceptives. Pediatricians' long-term relationships with adolescents and families allow them to help promote healthy sexual decision-making, including abstinence and contraceptive use. Additionally, medical indications for contraception, such as acne, dysmenorrhea, and heavy menstrual bleeding, are frequently uncovered during adolescent visits. This technical report provides an evidence base for the accompanying policy statement and addresses key aspects of adolescent contraceptive use, including the following: (1) sexual history taking, confidentiality, and counseling; (2) adolescent data on the use and side effects of newer contraceptive methods; (3) new data on older contraceptive methods; and (4) evidence supporting the use of contraceptives in adolescent patients with complex medical conditions.

Contraceptive procedures

Although most women desire to control the size and spacing of their family, the rate of unintended pregnancy in the United States remains high, with approximately half of all pregnancies being unintended. Reducing unintended pregnancy is a national public health goal, and the increased use of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) (intrauterine devices and implants) can help meet this goal. LARCs are among the most effective forms of contraception available. There are few contraindications to their use, and insertion and removal are straightforward procedures that are well tolerated in the outpatient office setting.

Progestin-only contraception: injectables and implants

Progestin-only contraceptive injectables and implants are highly effective, longer-acting contraceptive methods that can be used by most women in most circumstances. Globally, 6% of women using modern contraception use injectables and 1% use implants. Injectables are the predominant contraceptive method used in sub-Saharan Africa, and account for 43% of modern contraceptive methods used. A lower-dose, subcutaneous formulation of the most widely used injectable, depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate, has been developed. Implants have the highest effectiveness of any contraceptive method. Commodity cost, which historically limited implant availability in low-resource countries, was markedly lowered between 2012 and 2013. Changes in menstrual bleeding patterns are extremely common with both methods, and a main cause of discontinuation. Advice from normative bodies differs on progestin-only contraceptive use by breastfeeding women 0-6 weeks postpartum. Whether these methods are associated with HIV acquisition is a controversial issue, with important implications for sub-Saharan Africa, which has a disproportionate burden of both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and maternal mortality.

The effect of immediate postpartum compared to delayed postpartum and interval etonogestrel contraceptive implant insertion on removal rates for bleeding

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the discontinuation rate of the etonogestrel contraceptive implant due to irregular vaginal bleeding among women with immediate postpartum insertion is increased compared to delayed postpartum and interval placement.

STUDY DESIGN

This retrospective cohort study compared women who underwent immediate postpartum etonogestrel contraceptive implant insertion (within 96 h of delivery) to delayed postpartum (6 to 12 weeks postpartum) and interval insertion between January 2008 and December 2010. Charts were reviewed for date and reason for removal. A chi-squared test was used to compare discontinuation due to bleeding between cohorts. Baseline characteristics predictive of implant removal were evaluated by simple logistic regression.

RESULTS

There were 259 women in the immediate postpartum group, 49 in the delayed postpartum group and 106 in the interval group. Average age at insertion was 22.6 (±5.5) years. Overall, 19.3% of women in the immediate postpartum group requested removal due to irregular bleeding compared to 18.4% in the delayed postpartum group [odds ratio (OR) 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.48-2.33] and 20.8% in the interval group (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.52-1.60). There was no difference between groups in premature removal rates for any side effect. There were no sociodemographic or clinical characteristics predictive of removal in any group.

CONCLUSION

One-fifth of etonogestrel contraceptive implant users requested premature removal due to irregular bleeding. Immediate postpartum implant insertion does not lead to increased removal rates and may help reduce unintended pregnancy. Mechanisms to help women manage irregular bleeding due to the implant are needed.

IMPLICATIONS

Immediate postpartum insertion of the etonogestrel contraceptive implant does not lead to increased removal rates due to vaginal bleeding compared to delayed postpartum or interval insertion. Immediate postpartum implant insertion may increase uptake of long-acting reversible contraception and help reduce short interpregnancy intervals and unintended pregnancy.

Continuation rates of the subdermal contraceptive Implanon(®) and associated influencing factors

OBJECTIVES To investigate the continuation rates of the etonogestrel subdermal contraceptive implant among well-informed women, and the reasons for early discontinuation. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective consecutive cohort design. METHODS Women who had the implant inserted between 1 January 2006 and 1 January 2010 at the Atrium Medical Centre, the Netherlands were followed up for at least three years. The dates of insertion and removal were recorded, as were the reasons for removal. Statistical analysis was performed using the independent samples t-test and the Pearson alpha correlation test. RESULTS The implant was inserted in 230 women. Follow-up was possible in 214 women, with an average age of 26.7 years. Most of them were nulliparous and the majority had used a combined oral contraceptive, Implanon®, or Mirena® previously. The mean overall continuation period was 23.5 months (95% confidence interval: 21.7-25.3), with a median of 25 months. The continuation rate after 12 months was 72%; after 24 months, 53%; and after 36 months, 25%, with all women concerned having a new implant placed. The previously used contraceptive method Implanon® was associated with the highest continuation rates. An erratic bleeding pattern was the main reason for early removal. CONCLUSIONS Despite adequate counselling before insertion, the continuation rate of the etonogestrel implant was rather low compared to those reported by other investigators. The main reason for discontinuation was an irregular bleeding pattern.

Developments in contraception

INTRODUCTION

Although the contraceptive options for women have expanded considerably in the last decade, these methods are often not being offered to women as choices because clinicians are not well informed, limiting the ability of women to control their fertility.

AREAS COVERED

Areas covered include the use of oestradiol instead of ethinyl oestradiol and improved progestogens utilised in hormonal contraceptives, and new delivery systems have enabled the development of long-acting methods, which require less action on the part of the user, and thereby, reduce failure rates. Effective emergency contraceptive methods have become more readily available over the counter. However, male contraception, despite much research, still remains elusive.

EXPERT OPINION

This manuscript will provide an assessment of recent advances and controversies in contraception and make suggestions about improved availability.

Current issues in contraception

Contraceptive management in women should take into account patient lifestyle and coexisting medical issues as well as method safety, efficacy, and noncontraceptive benefits. This review focuses on common and timely issues related to contraception encountered in clinical practice, including migraine headaches and associated risk of ischemic stroke, the use of combined hormonal contraception along with citalopram and escitalopram, contraceptive efficacy and safety in the setting of obesity, contraceptives for treatment of menorrhagia, the association of intrauterine contraception and decreased risk of cervical cancer, and the association of venous thromboembolism and combined hormonal contraception. Recent trends supporting the use of long-acting reversible contraception are also reviewed.

Iatrogenic unscheduled (breakthrough) endometrial bleeding

Erratic, "unscheduled", vaginal bleeding continues to be the greatest disadvantage associated with widespread use of long-acting, progestogen-only methods of contraception. As a consequence, it is also the main reason for premature discontinuation of use of these methods in most cultures. From other perspectives, these methods have high acceptability, very high contraceptive efficacy and a range of valuable, added, non-contraceptive health benefits. There has been widespread awareness of the variability of these vaginal bleeding patterns associated with long-acting methods for several decades and much research has been invested into studying their patterns and implications. Considerable research has also been directed towards trying to understand the underlying mechanisms responsible for the unpredictable bleeding. Much has been clarified about the multiple mechanisms contributing to the appearance of superficial, thin-walled fragile vessels within the endometrium of many of those women with troublesome bleeding, but there is still little understanding of why some women develop these vessels and others have no fragile vessels (and may therefore develop amenorrhea). We now have several medical approaches to reliably stopping a prolonged episode of troublesome bleeding, but no good therapy to produce long-lasting relief from recurrence of erratic bleeding in predisposed women. Future understanding of the variability in individual endometrial responses in different women may be a key to solving this frustrating symptom.

Nexplanon, a radiopaque etonogestrel implant in combination with a next-generation applicator: 3-year results of a noncomparative multicenter trial

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy, safety, removal characteristics, and x-ray visibility of Nexplanon, a radiopaque etonogestrel contraceptive implant combined with a next-generation applicator.

STUDY DESIGN

A 3-year, nocomparative, multicenter study in women aged 18-40 years at 23 clinical sites.

RESULTS

Of 301 women who had an implant inserted, none became pregnant while the implant was in situ. Serious adverse events were reported in 16 of 301 (5.3%) women; none were judged as drug related. Fibrosis around the implant was the most common removal complication (4.4%). The implant was visible on X-ray and palpable before removal with a mean removal time of 2 minutes.

CONCLUSION

Nexplanon showed high contraceptive efficacy, palpability before removal, short removal times, and few removal complications. Nexplanon provides clinicians with a long-term hormonal contraceptive method with a safety and efficacy profile comparable to Implanon, radiopacity, and a new applicator.

Reproductive and contraceptive issues in chronically ill adolescents

OBJECTIVES

To address reproductive and contraceptive issues in adolescent girls with chronic medical conditions in order to assist health-care providers when they counsel teenagers about contraceptive methods.

METHODS

The review is based on a literature search in Medline (1973-2010) about specific contraceptive use by adolescents with obesity, endocrine, cardiovascular, haematologic, oncologic, neurological, psychiatric, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, autoimmune, renal, pulmonary conditions and disabilities. The latest recommendations from the World Health Organisation for adolescents are also added. Contraceptive methods studied were combined hormonal contraceptives, progestogen-only contraceptives, and intrauterine contraceptives.

RESULTS

Adolescents are eligible to use any method of contraception. Contraceptive choices of chronically ill adolescents have changed over time. Given new developments in the field of adolescent sexual and reproductive health care, safe and effective forms of contraception are available for almost every adolescent with a chronic condition. When selecting a method, the nature of the medical illness and the expressed desires of the teenager must be taken into account.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents, including those with chronic conditions, are sexual beings; they are entitled to sexual and reproductive health care. Decisions on appropriate contraception must be based upon informed choice, after adequate sexual health education.

Nexplanon: the new implant for long-term contraception. A comprehensive descriptive review

Nexplanon(®) is a new long-term reversible contraception method. The current review is aimed to analyze the published data concerning the contraceptive effectiveness of Nexplanon(®) and its effects on reproductive function. Pharmacological properties and technical procedures of insertion and removal, as well as the efficacy and safety data available, were discussed. Possible strategies for treating Nexplanon(®)-related bleeding were also described. With regard to the future research and the future scientific developments of contraceptive implants, the possible use of Nexplanon(®) wide-ranging for the symptomatic treatment of endometriosis and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) were considered. Finally, it was defined in which women the use of Nexplanon(®) is indicated and in which it is contra-indicated.

Concepts of contraception for adolescent and young adult women with chronic illness and disability

Sexual behavior is common in adolescents and young adults with or without chronic illness or disability, resulting in high levels of unplanned pregnancy and STDs. Individuals with chronic illness or disability should not receive suboptimal preventive health care. These individuals have a need for counseling regarding issues of sexuality and contraception. Sexually active adolescent and young adult women can be offered safe and effective contraception if they wish to avoid pregnancy. Women with chronic illnesses and disabilities who are sexually active should also be offered contraception based on their specific medical issues. Condoms are also recommended to reduce STD risks. Table 36 summarizes basic principles of contraception application for specific illnesses, which have been identified since the release of the combined OC in 1960. Clinicians should also consider the noncontraceptive benefits of this remarkable and life-changing technology that allows all reproductive age women to improve their lives, including those with chronic illnesses and disabilities.

Effectiveness of long-acting reversible contraception

BACKGROUND

The rate of unintended pregnancy in the United States is much higher than in other developed nations. Approximately half of unintended pregnancies are due to contraceptive failure, largely owing to inconsistent or incorrect use.

METHODS

We designed a large prospective cohort study to promote the use of long-acting reversible contraceptive methods as a means of reducing unintended pregnancies in our region. Participants were provided with reversible contraception of their choice at no cost. We compared the rate of failure of long-acting reversible contraception (intrauterine devices [IUDs] and implants) with other commonly prescribed contraceptive methods (oral contraceptive pills, transdermal patch, contraceptive vaginal ring, and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate [DMPA] injection) in the overall cohort and in groups stratified according to age (less than 21 years of age vs. 21 years or older).

RESULTS

Among the 7486 participants included in this analysis, we identified 334 unintended pregnancies. The contraceptive failure rate among participants using pills, patch, or ring was 4.55 per 100 participant-years, as compared with 0.27 among participants using long-acting reversible contraception (hazard ratio after adjustment for age, educational level, and history with respect to unintended pregnancy, 21.8; 95% confidence interval, 13.7 to 34.9). Among participants who used pills, patch, or ring, those who were less than 21 years of age had a risk of unintended pregnancy that was almost twice as high as the risk among older participants. Rates of unintended pregnancy were similarly low among participants using DMPA injection and those using an IUD or implant, regardless of age.

CONCLUSIONS

The effectiveness of long-acting reversible contraception is superior to that of contraceptive pills, patch, or ring and is not altered in adolescents and young women. (Funded by the Susan Thompson Buffet Foundation.).

Efficacy and safety of long-acting reversible contraception

Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) includes intrauterine devices (IUDs) and the subdermal implant. These methods are the most effective reversible methods of contraception, and have the additional advantages of being long-lasting, convenient, well liked by users and cost effective. Compared with other user-dependent methods that increase the risk of noncompliance-related method failure, LARC methods can bring 'typical use' failure rates more in line with 'perfect use' failure rates. LARC methods are 'forgettable'; they are not dependent on compliance with a pill-taking regimen, remembering to change a patch or ring, or coming back to the clinician for an injection. LARC method failure rates rival that of tubal sterilization at <1% for IUDs and the subdermal implant. For these reasons, we believe that IUDs and implants should be offered as first-line contraception for most women. This article provides a review of the LARC methods that are currently available in the US, including their effectiveness, advantages, disadvantages and contraindications. Additionally, we dispel myths and misconceptions regarding IUDs, and address the barriers to LARC use.

The state of hormonal contraception today: benefits and risks of hormonal contraceptives: progestin-only contraceptives

The progestin component of hormonal contraceptives accounts for most of their contraceptive effects. Several dosage forms of progestin-only contraceptives have been developed, including pills, injectables, implants, and intrauterine devices. Emergency contraceptives may also contain progestin only and are indicated for prevention of pregnancy following unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. Each form has benefits, some specific to the form. An understanding of benefits and risks allows clinicians a wider choice when recommending effective hormonal contraception.

Menstrual bleeding patterns in adolescents using etonogestrel (ENG) implant

BACKGROUND

Etonogestrel (ENG) implant is an effective method of contraception. The implant is designed to provide contraceptive efficacy for 3 years with a relatively quick return of fertility upon its removal. Menstrual irregularities are not uncommon on long-acting progestins and can often be the factor for discontinuation or removal. A retrospective chart analysis was done on 58 patients who chose to be on the ENG implant. Age ranged from 12 to 24 years. The cycle ranged from 1 to 17 months. The mean length of use of the implant was 10.9 months. Over the 20-month period, 13 ENG implants were removed because of menstrual bleeding problems.

METHOD

We conducted a chart review of the adolescent patients who received the ENG implant in our adolescent clinic. An analysis was done based on symptoms experienced by patients who were on the ENG implant and their management, which in some cases resulted in its removal.

SETTING

The data is presented on adolescent and young adult patients who receive their reproductive care in the Adolescent Medicine Clinic at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.

CONCLUSIONS

ENG implant when used correctly and as indicated is extremely effective in providing contraception for up to 3 years. However, menstrual irregularities can be very troublesome and often a reason for its removal. In our experience, 22.4% (13 out of the 58 subjects) had menstrual problems post-insertion that led to its removal. It is crucial for a clinician to inform and be informed about such side effects.

Clinician satisfaction and insertion characteristics of a new applicator to insert radiopaque Implanon: an open-label, noncontrolled, multicenter trial

BACKGROUND

The etonogestrel (ENG) implant Implanon is a progestin-only contraceptive that provides effective contraception for up to 3 years. A new radiopaque ENG implant has been developed to extend the diagnostic modalities of Implanon and a next-generation applicator (NGA) was designed to facilitate correct subdermal insertion of Implanon.

STUDY DESIGN

In this open-label study, 23 investigators, experienced and inexperienced with Implanon, performed 301 insertions of the new radiopaque implant using the NGA. Primary outcome measurements were obtained from clinician satisfaction questionnaires completed after the 4th, 8th and 12th insertions. Additionally, insertion characteristics and X-ray visibility were assessed.

RESULTS

Almost all investigators were satisfied with the NGA from the first insertion onward, and all were satisfied or very satisfied after 12 insertions. The most frequently reported advantages included ease of use, one-handed action and fast insertion time; 2% of insertions were considered difficult in skin puncturing and/or sliding the needle subdermally. Three incorrect insertions occurred due to noncompliance with instructions. All assessed implants were visible on plain X-ray imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

The NGA was well accepted by investigators with or without prior experience with Implanon. The results stressed the importance of correctly following implant insertion instructions.

Effect of etonogestrel implant on serum lipids, liver function tests and hemoglobin levels

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to assess the possible effects of etonogestrel implant (Implanon, Organon, Oss, The Netherlands) on total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Hb levels in a sample of Turkish population.

STUDY DESIGN

Healthy women of childbearing potential who had applied to our Family Planning Clinic for a contraceptive method and had chosen to have an Implanon insertion after thorough counseling about all family planning methods and screening for eligibility for Implanon use were enrolled in the study. Serum concentrations of TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, AST, ALT and Hb levels were tested before and at 3 and 6 months after insertion. Baseline mean parameters were compared with mean parameters at 3 and 6 months for statistical significance using paired-samples t test.

RESULTS

Eighty-two women eligible for the study were included. Mean age of the patients was 27.5+/-4.8 years. When compared to the baseline values, there was a statistically significant decrease in the TC (p<.001), HDL-C (p<.001) and TG (p=.006) at the end of the third month, while there was a significant increase in Hb values (p=.01). The decrease in TC (p=.001) and HDL-C (p<.001) and increase in Hb value (p=.03) persisted by the end of sixth month while the decrease in TG was transient. A statistically significant increase in mean ALT level was observed at 6 months (p=.03).

CONCLUSION

The effect of Implanon on liver functions and lipid metabolism does not lead to unhealthy alterations. Increase in Hb can be attributed to the high frequency of amenorrhea in patients.

Hormonal contraceptive regimens in the perimenopause

Perimenopausal women have low fertility but still need contraception if they are sexually active. They often have co-existing menstrual problems and menopausal symptoms. No method of contraception is contraindicated by age alone. In addition to highly effective contraception, hormonal methods offer non-contraceptive benefits which can improve quality of life for perimenopausal women. Combined hormonal oral contraception has been available for many decades. The combined vaginal ring and transdermal patch are newer methods offering alternative delivery systems but similar risk profiles to oral preparations. New combinations containing naturally occurring estrogens in place of the synthetic hormone ethinylestradiol are now available and, in theory, could be safer. The progestogen-only methods have an excellent safety profile and have a range of delivery systems and dosages to suit all. Concerns regarding loss of bone mineral density with the injectable depot medroxyprogesterone acetate continue but to date there is no evidence that this translates into higher fracture risk. Effective use of any method of contraception is strongly dependent on good counselling and support from healthcare professionals. Risks should be explained in absolute terms for each individual woman, enabling her to make an informed choice on evidence-based medicine and not influenced by ill-informed media publicity.

A randomized controlled trial of treatment options for troublesome uterine bleeding in Implanon users

BACKGROUND

Pilot data have indicated that both doxycycline alone and mifepristone combined with ethinyl estradiol (EE) are effective in stopping episodes of bleeding in Implanon users with troublesome bleeding. We compared four treatments against a placebo in Implanon users and tested whether repeated treatment improved subsequent bleeding patterns.

METHOD

Implanon users aged 18-45 years were randomized to treatment with (i) mifepristone 25 mg given twice on day 1 followed by 4 days of EE 20 microg; (ii) doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 5 days; (iii) mifepristone 25 mg given twice on day 1 plus doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 5 days; (iv) doxycycline 100 mg twice daily with EE 20 microg daily; and (v) placebo twice daily for 5 days. The primary end-point was the number of days of bleeding/spotting immediately following initiation of the first 5-day course of each therapy, compared with placebo.

RESULTS

There were 204 women assigned to treatment. Mifepristone in combination with either EE or doxycycline was significantly more effective in stopping an episode of bleeding (mean 4.0 days (CI 3.5-4.6) and 4.4 days (CI 3.8-5.2), respectively) than doxycycline alone or in combination with EE, or placebo (6.4 days (CI 4.4-9.2), 6.4 days (CI 4.8-8.6) and 6.4 days (CL 5.1-8.0), respectively).

CONCLUSION

Mifepristone combined with either EE or doxycycline was significantly more effective than placebo in terminating an episode of bleeding in Implanon users. However there was no improvement in subsequent bleeding patterns.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTR # 012605000206628.