Relationship Between Etonogestrel Concentrations and Bleeding Patterns in Contraceptive Implant Users

The association between BMI and continuity of etonogestrel (ENG)-releasing implant

OBJECTIVE

The etonogestrel-releasing implant is a long-acting reversible contraception that is recommended by the Food and Drug Administration for 3 years and has been proven to be highly effective and convenient. Adverse effects including irregular bleeding patterns, weight gain, and acne are reported to be the main reasons for treatment discontinuation. The aim of this study is to learn the association between body mass index (BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters) and the incidence of side effects and adherence to treatment.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study, conducted at a single university-affiliated medical clinic, including all women who underwent etonogestrel-releasing implant (Nexplanon®; New Jersey, USA, Organon USA Inc., Merck and Co) insertion between January 2019 and December 2021. Cases where abnormalities were reported during the insertion procedure or missing data were excluded from the study. Information on patients' demographic, medical history, obstetric and gynecological history, and follow-up was collected from electronic medical files. The primary outcome was defined as the rate of implant removal in the different obesity classes. Data are presented as median and interquartile range. The study was approved by institutional review board.

RESULTS

The study population included 1318 women, of whom 466 (35%) requested early removal of the implant. Women's demographic and clinical characteristics were comparable between women who requested early removal and those with full-length treatment. The median time for early removal was 12 (6-20) months from insertion. Irregular bleeding was the most frequent reason for early removal in both groups and was more than twice as prevalent in the early removal group (239 [51.29%] vs 193 [22%], P = 0.001). The early removal group had fewer obese women (BMI ≥30) compared with women who had full-length treatment (163 [31.8%] vs 350 [68.2%], P = 0.03), with comparable rates of class 3 obesity women (BMI ≥40) (P = 0.68). Multi-regression logistic analysis including age, BMI, parity and side effects found that the presence of side effects is the only independent predictor significantly associated with early implant removal (B = 1.74, P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Continuation of etonogestrel-releasing implant contraception treatment was associated with the presence of side effects that were more often reported in non-obese women. BMI was not found to be a significant factor influencing adherence to treatment.

Managing menstruation for medically complex paediatric patients

Physicians who care for children and adolescents need evidence-based information about how to manage menses for medically complicated patients. The use of many hormonal medications for menstrual management is considered 'off-label' because many of these medications have indications only for contraception. A growing body of evidence supports the use of particular medications or strategies for a wide variety of medical conditions, but this information has been slow to reach all paediatric patients, perhaps in part because of the off-label nature of prescribing. Specialists skilled in hormone management are in short supply and often not immediately available for consultation, and they may also be inexperienced prescribing for medically complex paediatric patients. Misconceptions about the necessity of menstruation or concerns regarding use of contraceptives in young patients may also limit the use of medically indicated off-label hormonal regimens. This review will outline current patient-centred strategies to inform physicians' choices about when and how to intervene medically to improve quality of life for medically complex girls with problematic periods-whether by making periods more predictable, preventing ovulation, reducing pain or eliminating menses altogether.

Etonogestrel-releasing subdermal contraceptive implant: Budget impact analysis based on the Brazilian private healthcare system

High rates of unplanned pregnancies persist despite pharmacological developments and advancements in contraceptive methods. Here, we demonstrate that the etonogestrel-releasing subdermal contraceptive implant (IMP-ETN) may be an appropriate and cost-effective alternative to levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems (LNG-IUSs) for women in Brazil. For our pharmacoeconomic analysis, we reviewed the literature on IMP-ETN regarding its acceptance, eligibility criteria, choice, relations with age, adverse events and, finally, the unmet need in the fee-for-service private healthcare sector. We considered qualitative observations in combination with quantitative analysis and performed a deterministic sensitivity analysis to investigate whether this technology can be self-sustainable over a period of five years. The target population for this analysis comprised 158,696 women. Compared with the continued use of LNG-IUSs, adopting the IMP-ETN can result in a cost avoidance of $ 7.640.804,02 in the first year and $ 82,455,254.43 in five years. Disseminating information among physicians will promote this change and strengthen the potential cost avoided by private health system payers. These savings can be used to improve other healthcare programs and strategies. Moreover, the principles of care can be promoted by improving and adapting healthcare systems and expanding treatment and follow-up strategies. This would also provide support to women's reproductive rights and improve their quality of life. Our results suggest that the IMP-ETN has a favorable cost-effectiveness profile. Given all its advantages and negative incremental cost impact over a period of five years, the IMP-ETN may be a more favorable alternative to LNG-IUSs. Therefore, it should be offered to beneficiaries with a private healthcare plan. This analysis overcomes previous barriers to the use of cost-benefit models, and our results may help balance decision-making by policymakers, technical consultants, and researchers.

Early removal of the etonogestrel contraceptive implant in Spanish women: a prospective cohort study

Purpose

To know the discontinuation rate and characterize predictors and reasons of contraceptive implant removal within 12 months of insertion in our community setting.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included women receiving the etonogestrel contraceptive implant at sexual and reproductive health centers between September 2019 and September 2020. The variables collected were implanted insertion timing, reproductive and demographic characteristics, medical conditions, sexual activity and counseling. Our primary outcome was implant discontinuation. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to show the cumulative discontinuation rate of implants contraceptive within the first year of insertion. We also identified factors that increased the risk of implant removal using the log-rank test and the Cox regression model. Reasons for discontinuation were documented.

Results

199 women were followed up. Implant discontinuation was documented in 17.1% of implant users prior to 12 months. Factors that increase the risk of implant removal are living with a partner, being aged 25-34 years and not receiving comprehensive and structured counseling from the midwife. The main reason for removal was unsatisfactory bleeding (97.1%), but this was combined with other reasons such as cessation of sexual intercourse (58.8%), worsening mood (58.8%), weight gain (55.9%) or decreased libido (50.0%).

Conclusion

The rate of discontinuous implant uses in the first year is relevant in relation to cost-effectiveness, there is room for improvement that should not be overlooked. Comprehensive and structured midwife-led counseling can reduce early implant abandonment removal. The development in different countries of the role of midwives in the management of contraceptives can contribute to the economic benefit of health services and the satisfaction of women.

Contraceptive Implant-Associated Bleeding in Adolescent/Young Adult Clinical Practice: Associated Factors, Management, and Rates of Discontinuation

PURPOSE

To identify factors associated with bothersome implant-associated uterine bleeding, and to evaluate the impact of bleeding management on implant discontinuation.

METHODS

We analyzed a quality improvement database of implant insertions (n = 825) at three adolescent/young adult programs and described individuals with and without reported bothersome bleeding. We utilized logistic regression to assess for factors associated with bleeding.

RESULTS

Implant recipient mean age was 18.9 ± 2.6 years, and 27% reported having subsequent bothersome uterine bleeding. Recipients had increased odds of reporting such bleeding if they had previously irregular menses (odds ratio [OR] = 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11-1.68 irregular and infrequent, OR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.07-1.86 irregular and frequent) or sought the implant for menstrual management purposes exclusively (OR = 1.67; 95% CI 1.42-1.96) or in combination with contraceptive need (OR 1.65; 95%: CI 1.57-1.72). Prior use of the progestin injection or implant was associated with lower odds of subsequent bleeding report (OR = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.54-0.73; OR = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.39-0.75, respectively). Medication management of bleeding was associated with the likelihood of implant discontinuation at 1 year compared to those with untreated bleeding (hazard ratio 1.98 times, 95% CI: 1.39-2.81). The implant was continued for 3 years in over 50% of recipients with ever-managed bothersome bleeding.

DISCUSSION

Individuals with historically irregular menses and those seeking the implant for menstrual management more often reported bothersome bleeding. Treating such bleeding with medication was associated with higher 1-year discontinuation rates, although many continued implant use for 3 years. Such findings may influence implant preinsertion counseling and/or postinsertion bleeding management.

Considerations in Adolescent Use of the Etonogestrel Subdermal Implant: A Cohort Study

Objectives: To describe bleeding patterns and other side effects in adolescent implant users and characterize their impact on early discontinuation of the implant.

Study Design: This is a retrospective cohort study of female patients under 18 years who had an implant placed from 2013 to 2018. Data were collected on demographics, medical history, and side effects.

Results: Of 212 adolescents, the average age at insertion was 16 years and 84% desired placement for contraception. Common side effects included AUB (80%), mood changes (10%), and perceived weight gain (9%). Most (76%) used the implant for at least 12 months. Average time to removal was 22.1 months (SD 13.0 months) and this did not depend on presence of side effects. Twenty-seven percent of teens were able to achieve amenorrhea. Adolescents with frequent or prolonged bleeding were more likely to have implant removal prior to 12 months than those with other bleeding patterns (p = 0.003). Early removal was also more common in girls reporting weight or mood issues than those who did not (p < 0.001 and p = 0.045, respectively). BMI increased in 64% of adolescents. Average percentage change in BMI was 3.2% (0.87 kg/m²). There was no difference in baseline use of any mood-modulating medications in patients who did and did not complain of mood side effects following implant placement (p = 0.801).

Conclusion: Characterization of bleeding patterns following implant placement in adolescents have not previously been reported. Prolonged or heavy bleeding, mood issues, and perceived weight gain were associated with earlier removal of the implant. A relatively small number had early removal of the implant due to weight or mood complaints. Therefore, a history of obesity, depression, or other mood disorders should not be a deterrent to implant placement.

Subcutaneous etonogestrel implant combined with endometrial ablation for the treatment of adenomyosis: two case reports

Adenomyosis is a common disease that affects many premenopausal women. Two patients with adenomyosis, aged 51 and 42 years, presented with dysmenorrhea and increased menstrual volume. They refused laparoscopy or laparotomy surgery and were not eligible for the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS). The first patient underwent endometrial ablation and subcutaneous etonogestrel (ENG)-releasing implant placement at the same time. Her symptoms of dysmenorrhea and heavy menstruation improved significantly. When serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E2) levels suggested menopause, the ENG-releasing implant was removed. However, her abdominal pain recurred and was relieved by medication. For the second patient, an ENG-releasing implant was placed first, and her dysmenorrhea and heavy menstrual volume were relieved. However, the bleeding pattern changed from regular bleeding to prolonged bleeding, which troubled the patient. Endometrial ablation was performed 4 months later to solve the problem. Both patients had improved symptoms and were satisfied with the treatment. For patients with adenomyosis who refuse surgery and are not candidates for the use of LNG-IUS, an ENG-releasing implant combined with endometrial ablation may be an effective alternative.

Applicability of ancestral genotyping in pharmacogenomic research with hormonal contraception

To compare etonogestrel pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic outcomes by both self-reported race/ethnicity and genetically determined ancestry among contraceptive implant users. We conducted a secondary analysis of our parent pharmacogenomic study of 350 implant users. We genotyped these reproductive-aged (18-45 years) women for 88 ancestry-informative single nucleotide polymorphisms. We then assigned each participant a proportion value for African (AFR), European (EUR), and Indigenous American (AMR) ancestry based on reference population data. We correlated genetic ancestry with self-reported race/ethnicity and utilized genetic ancestry proportion values as variables for previously performed association analyses with serum etonogestrel concentrations and progestin-related side effects (e.g., bothersome bleeding and subjective weight gain). We successfully estimated genetically determined ancestry for 332 participants. EUR, AFR, and AMR ancestry were each highly correlated with self-reported White/non-Hispanic race (r = 0.64, p = 4.14 × 10-40 ), Black/African American race (r = 0.88, p = 1.36 × 10-107 ), and Hispanic/Latina ethnicity (r = 0.68, p = 4.03 × 10-47 ), respectively. Neither genetically determined ancestry nor self-reported race/ethnicity were significantly associated with serum etonogestrel concentrations. AFR ancestry and self-reported Black race had similar associations with reporting monthly periods (odds ratio [OR] 2.18, p = 0.09 vs. OR 2.22, p = 0.02) and having received treatment for bothersome bleeding (OR 5.19, p = 0.005 vs. OR 4.73, p = 2.0 × 10-4 ). In multivariable logistic regression for subjective weight gain, AMR ancestry dropped out of the model in preference for self-reported Hispanic/Latina ethnicity. We found no new associations between genetically determined ancestry and contraceptive implant pharmacodynamics/pharmacokinetics. Self-reported race/ethnicity were strong surrogates for genetically determined ancestry among this population of contraceptive implant users. Our data suggest that self-reported race/ethnicity, capturing societal and cultural aspects, remain important to the investigation of progestin-related side effects.

Safety and Benefits of Contraceptives Implants: A Systematic Review

Progestin-only contraceptive implants provide long-acting, highly effective reversible contraception. We searched the medical publications in PubMed, CENTRAL, and EMBASE for relevant articles on hormonal implants published in English between 1990 and 2021. Levonorgestrel (LNG) 6-capsule subdermal implants represented the first effective system approved for reversible contraception. The etonogestrel (ENG) single rod dispositive has been widely employed in clinical practice, since it is a highly effective and safe contraceptive method. Abnormal menstrual bleeding is a common ENG side effect, representing the main reason for its premature discontinuation. Emerging evidence demonstrated that it is possible to extend the use of the ENG implant beyond the three-year period for which it is approved. The ENG implant could be an effective and discrete alternative to the IUD in young girls, such as post-partum/post-abortion. Implants should be inserted by trained skilled clinicians who previously provide adequate counselling about their contraceptive effect, benefits, and any possible adverse events. More studies are needed to validate the extended use of the ENG implant for up to 5 years.

Subdermal Contraceptive Implant Insertion Trends and Retention in Adolescents

STUDY OBJECTIVE

There is growing advocacy for use of long-acting reversible contraception among sexually active adolescents. Our primary aims were to evaluate the etonogestrel subdermal contraceptive implant (SCI) insertion trends among adolescents, as well as SCI retention at 1, 2, and 3 years, indications for removal, and to identify pregnancies that occurred during SCI use. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, INTERVENTIONS, AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A retrospective cohort study was conducted of adolescents aged 13-19 years with SCI insertions in 2008-2014 within a large integrated health care system. Demographic and clinical characteristics included age, race/ethnicity, body mass index, gravidity, parity, insertions, reinsertions, indications for removal, and pregnancy. Electronic medical record review was conducted on a randomized sample of 540 adolescents with insertions during 2008-2011 for the retention objective to validate electronically extracted variables. Analyses included descriptive statistics, survival analysis with Kaplan-Meier estimates for implant retention and Cochran-Armitage trend test for insertions according to year during 2008-2014.

RESULTS

Most adolescent SCI users were non-Hispanic white (43%), or Hispanic (34.2%) and 16 years or older (84.2%) at the time of insertion. Overall, 1-, 2-, and 3-year retention rates were 78.6%, 59.4%, and 26.2%, respectively, with retention at 44.3% at 2 years 9 months (indicative of removal of method for near expiration of 3-year device). The insertion rate trend showed statistically significant increases annually, from 0.14% in 2008 to 0.91% in 2014; P < .0001. No pregnancies were documented during implant use. The most common indication for SCI removal was device expiration.

CONCLUSION

SCI insertions increased annually among adolescents, with more than a sixfold increase over the 6-year study period, and more than half of the SCIs were retained through 2 years of use. The most common indication of SCI removal was completion of Food and Drug Administration-approved duration.

Management of bothersome bleeding associated with progestin-based long-acting reversible contraception: a review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To describe common bleeding patterns and treatment strategies to minimize bothersome bleeding in users of progestin-based long-acting reversible contraception (LARC).

RECENT FINDINGS

Most levonorgestrel intrauterine device users will establish a favorable bleeding pattern within a year; NSAIDs are the most effective bridge to help with bothersome bleeding during that time period. Early follicular phase insertion and fundal placement are associated with more favorable early bleeding profiles. Recent studies exploring tranexamic acid, mifepristone, and tamoxifen's adjunct role show modest or no benefit. The progestin implant is associated with more persistent unpredictable bleeding disproportionately affecting women with higher etonogestrel serum levels; recent studies indicate that oral contraceptives, ulipristal acetate, and tamoxifen may all provide temporary relief.

SUMMARY

Women's healthcare providers can offer patients adjunct medical therapies to minimize bothersome bleeding associated with progestin LARC use, which may result in increased satisfaction and continuation rates of these effective forms of contraception.

Long-acting reversible contraception side effect management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is increasingly used by adolescents and young adults (AYAs). Subsequent to LARC insertion, AYAs are presenting to their primary care providers with LARC concerns. This article seeks to equip primary care clinicians with the tools necessary to assess and manage common LARC-associated side effects.

RECENT FINDINGS

Side effects are common with progestin-only LARC, and can precipitate early discontinuation of an otherwise effective, low-maintenance form of contraception. Abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, acne, and weight change are often cited as progestin-only LARC side effects, yet the causes are poorly understood despite extensive research. While most side effects improve with time, therapeutic interventions are available for patients with undesirable side effects that prefer medical management. Research emphasizes the importance of proper patient counseling and clinical follow-up.

SUMMARY

Counseling remains essential in the management of LARC-associated side effects. However, options are available to temporarily mitigate such side effects and increase LARC satisfaction. While these therapeutic options are prescribed based on expert opinion, such regimens remain inadequately studied in AYA populations.