title: Release characteristics, ovarian activity and menstrual bleeding pattern with a single contraceptive implant releasing 3-ketodesogestrel.
abstract: The properties of a single contraceptive subdermal implant releasing 3-ketodesogestrel were assessed in fifteen women over twelve months. Serum levels of 3-ketodesogestrel were monitored regularly following insertion and after removal. The mean serum level of 3-ketodesogestrel was 245 pg/ml after 72 h (steady state) and 176 pg/ml after twelve months. All volunteers demonstrated ovulation inhibition throughout the study. Transient oestradiol peaks occurred during the study. No luteal activity was noted. The cervical mucus was rapidly rendered hostile to sperm migration. Two women withdrew from the study during the first six months for medical reasons. Both volunteers cited bleeding irregularity as the main cause, one complaining of oligomenorrhoea, the other of prolonged bleeding/spotting episodes. A small but significant increase in weight was noted during the study period.
authors: Academic Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Birmingham, Great Britain.
authors: G C
authors: GC
authors: Davies
authors: L X
authors: LX
authors: Feng
authors: J R
authors: JR
authors: Newton
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Van Beek
authors: H J
authors: HJ
authors: Coelingh-Bennink
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D002582:Cervix Mucus / Q000187:drug effects; D017135:Desogestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004343:Drug Implants; D005260:Female; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008598:Menstruation / Q000187:drug effects*; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D010053:Ovary / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D010060:Ovulation / Q000187:drug effects; D045167:Progesterone Congeners / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin / Q000032:analysis; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D004343:Drug Implants; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D045167:Progesterone Congeners; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin; C044815:etonogestrel; D017135:Desogestrel