Acceptability of long-acting, progestin-only contraception in Europe: a two-year prospective, non-interventional...

OBJECTIVES To compare two-year continuation rates and user satisfaction with the levonorgestrel releasing-intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) and the etonogestrel releasing-subdermal implant (ENG implant) in women in Europe. METHODS This prospective, non-interventional study was undertaken at 72 sites in France (n = 61), Great Britain (n = 2), Ireland (n = 3) and Slovakia (n = 6). Women opting to switch their method of contraception to the LNG-IUS or the ENG implant were followed-up over 24 months to document continuation and satisfaction with their chosen contraceptive method. Reasons for discontinuation were documented. RESULTS The data analysed were based on 363 women (LNG-IUS [n = 247] and ENG implant [n = 116]), aged 20 to 45 years, with at least one follow-up visit after contraceptive placement. The documented cumulative continuation rate was 82% in the LNG-IUS group and 67% in the ENG implant group at 24 months. The documented discontinuation rates were 13% and 17%, respectively. Bleeding problems were cited as reason for discontinuation in 4% and 11% of women in the LNG-IUS and ENG implant groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The LNG-IUS is associated with higher continuation rates and user satisfaction than the ENG implant in this study of women in Europe, though the groups were not similar in all respects. Bleeding problems with the ENG implant account for most of the reasons for discontinuing its use.