Etonogestrel implant in postpartum adolescents: bleeding pattern, efficacy and discontinuation rate
Received 4 November 2009; received in revised form 3 February 2010; accepted 4 February 2010. published online 19 March 2010. Corrected Proof
Abstract
Background
The increasing rate of teenage pregnancies is a challenge to health professionals. New contraceptive methods have been developed to try to improve adherence in this group of patients. The study was conducted to evaluate the bleeding pattern, efficacy and discontinuation rate of etonogestrel implant (68 mg) inserted in postpartum adolescents.
Study Design
The study population comprised 44 postpartum adolescents managed at the Family Planning Sector of São Paulo Federal University. The implant was inserted, on average, 102 days after delivery. Patients were followed prospectively during four 90-day periods.
Results
All 44 patients completed the 12 months of follow-up, resulting in a study discontinuation rate of 0%. No implants were removed. There were no pregnancies during the study. After 1 year of use, frequent and prolonged bleeding were reported by less than 5% of the patients and amenorrhea occurred in 38.6% of the users. Laboratory parameters indicated a significant increase in hemoglobin and hematocrit among users.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that the etonogestrel implant is a safe and effective contraceptive method that is well accepted by adolescents after a pregnancy.
ABSTRACT