An assessment of the use of Implanon® in Luton

A. Agrawal, C. Robinson

The Lodge, Luton, UK

Introduction: Implanon® has several advantages over other methods of contraception including high efficacy, minimal required maintenance, and absence of oestrogen and rapid return of fertility after discontinuation. We present here our experience with first 106 implanon® insertions, which we performed between January 2000 to July 2001.

Objectives: The aims of the study were to (a) study the clinical and demographic profile of implanon1 users, (b) assess the continuation rates of implanon® in the local population, and (c) identify the reasons for removal.

Design and Methods: This was a case note based study where the data was transferred to a standardised pretested proforma and was analysed by simple tabulation

Results: The age range of the 106 implanon® users was15.43 years (mean 25.2yrs) and 36. 8% were nulliparous. The preinsertion weight was over 70 kg in 41% cases. Sixty seven percent clients were white Caucasian women, 17% being Asian and 16% belonged to other ethnic groups. Thirty-three clients were either lost to follow up or are still continuing to use implanon®. Seventy-three of these clients had their implanon® removed. Out of these 73 cases 17 cases have completed full 3 years period; therefore the continuation rate at 3 years was 23.2%. The continuation rate at the end of 1 year was 64.4% and at 2 years was 37%. Out of 56 cases who had removal of implanon1 before recommended 3 years period the commonest reason was for bleeding irregularity in 22(39 %) cases, and to plan pregnancy in 9 (16%)cases. No failure of the method was found.

Conclusions: Implanon® is a highly effective method of contraception, which is relatively free of serious side effects. However, in our experience, continuation rate at 3-year was only 23.2%, with irregular bleeding being the main reason for discontinuation. Resolution of this difficulty is likely to lead to enhanced compliance.