Long acting contraceptive implants. An analysis of menstrual bleeding patterns

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Contraception
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Subdermal implants are a long-acting reversible contraception method.
• Understanding the impact of different progestogen implants on menstrual bleeding is crucial for user satisfaction and continuation.
• Levonorgestrel and norgestrienone are commonly used progestogens in contraceptive implants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare the menstrual patterns of women using levonorgestrel and norgestrienone subdermal implants.
• To assess the bleeding profiles associated with these implant types against a copper intrauterine device control.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind clinical trial was conducted.
• Menstrual patterns were evaluated using the International Committee on Contraception Research method.
• Women using Copper T200 intrauterine devices served as controls.

Main Results:

• Both levonorgestrel and norgestrienone implants were associated with a high frequency of reduced menstrual bleeding.
• Levonorgestrel implants also showed a high proportion of increased and irregular bleeding episodes.
• Discontinuation of implant use was linked to increased bleeding, but less so to reduced bleeding.

Conclusions:

• Subdermal implants containing levonorgestrel and norgestrienone significantly alter menstrual bleeding patterns.
• While both can reduce bleeding, levonorgestrel implants present a higher risk of irregular and heavy bleeding.
• Increased bleeding upon discontinuation is a notable side effect, irrespective of the implant type.