Etonogestrel Implants in Adolescents: Experience, Satisfaction, and Continuation

Area of Science:

• Adolescent Medicine
• Reproductive Health
• Contraception

Background:

• Limited data exists on etonogestrel subdermal implants (ESI) use among U.S. adolescents.
• Understanding continuation rates and factors influencing removal is crucial for this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess continuation rates of ESI in U.S. adolescents.
• To investigate the association between implant removal, nuisance bleeding management, and body mass index.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 116 adolescent females with ESI insertion from 2010-2013.
• Follow-up data collected up to 36 months post-insertion.

Main Results:

• ESI continuation rates were 78% at 12 months, 50% at 24 months, and 40% at 32 months.
• Nuisance bleeding affected 48% of patients, with 63% receiving medication management; early removal due to bleeding occurred in 18%.
• No significant association found between BMI, nuisance bleeding, and early ESI removal.

Conclusions:

• ESI offers high continuation rates and significant pregnancy prevention for adolescents.
• Inconsistent management of nuisance bleeding may impact continuation.
• Developing evidence-based protocols for bleeding management could improve ESI retention.