Removal rates of subdermal levonorgestrel implants

This study attempted to quantify an achievable removal rate of subdermal levonorgestrel implants (SLIs) in an unselected population and develop strategies for increasing continuation. Over 16 months, 1,076 SLIs were inserted in eligible patients from a lower socioeconomic group at high risk for unintended pregnancy. Extensive preinsertion and postinsertion counseling and follow-up care were given. Patients developing problems were counseled and managed conservatively. If a patient requested removal of the Norplant after this process, removal was done. Twenty-two removals occurred due to SLI-related problems, for a rate of 2.04%; no trends based on age or parity were found. The most common reasons for removal were bleeding/irregular menses (31.8%), headaches (18.1%) and hair loss (13.6%). An episode of thrombophlebitis, not thought to be caused by the SLI, led to one removal. Seventy-seven percent of removals occurred in the first six months, with peak rates in the fourth and fifth. Five patients became pregnant inadvertently within six months of removal. An extremely low removal rate and high continuation rate are possible in an inner city clinic population at risk for unintended pregnancy. Acceptance will increase if the SLI can be maintained at least past six months. Extensive counseling, patient support and conservative medical management constitute a successful approach.