SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF A SINGLE-ROD SUBDERMAL CONTRACEPTIVE ETONOGESTREL IMPLANT(IMPLANON): SIX MONTH FOLLOWUP EXPERIENCE IN WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE

Abstract

Background: Etonogestrel implant is an effective and healthier contraceptive method for women in developing countries because of its convenience, price, long duration, and safety of use while breastfeeding. It has high possibility of return to fertility after removal. The objective of the study was to determine the efficacy in term of frequency of compliance of etonogestrel implant and side-effects in women receiving it as reversible contraception. Methods: A descriptive case series was designed and was conducted in Family Planning Centre, Federal Government Polyclinic, Islamabad. The study was carried out in 265 women of age 15–45 years with regular menstrual cycle, normal pelvic and systemic examination, and willing for long term reversible contraception. Non-probability consecutive sampling was used for collection of subjects. After informed consent etonogestrel implant was inserted and followed for its efficacy and side effects. Data were analysed using SPSS-16. Qualitative variables like side effects, efficacy and compliance were measured as frequency and percentage. Quantitative variables like age of patient were measured as Mean±SD. Results: Mean age of the patients was 27.86±6.67 years. Compliance to, acceptance, and efficacy of etonogestrel implant as reversible contraception was found in 249 (93.96%) patients while rest of the patients had removed the etonogestrel implant due to any side-effects. Conclusion: Etonogestrel implant demonstrated excellent contraceptive efficacy and was well tolerated. The vaginal bleeding pattern was variable and was characterized by relatively few bleeding events, but proved acceptable to most subjects.

Pak J Physiol 2022;18(3):23?6