[A randomized study comparing the efficacy and bleeding pattern of Implanon and Norplant hormonal contraceptive implant].
OBJECTIVE
To compare the contraceptive efficacy, tolerability and bleeding patterns of Implanon and Norplant.


METHODS
One hundred healthy female volunteers received either Implanon (75 cases) or Norplant (25 cases) for 4 years, followed up with complain, bleeding patterns, hemoglobin, blood pressure, weight. Record the time of insert and remove.


RESULTS
There were no pregnancies during the study. Per 90-day reference period, the average number of bleeding-spotting days with Implanon decreased from 33 day in the first period to 21 day in the last year, and Norplant decreased from 31 day to 20 day. The average bleeding number of times was 2.25 of Implanon and 2.99 of Norplant per reference period (P < 0.05). The mean insert time was 11 second of Implanon and 103 second of Norplant. The mean remove time was 27 second of Implanon and 102 second of Norplant (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Both contraceptive systems demonstrated excellent contraceptive efficacy and were well tolerated. Because of its single-rod design, Implanon was significantly quicker to insert and remove than the multiple-capsule system.
Yao
Xiao-ying
XY
Department of Family Planning, Obstetric and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China.
Du
Ming-kun
MK
D000328:Adult; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017135:Desogestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004343:Drug Implants; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D014592:Uterine Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology
D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D004343:Drug Implants; C044815:etonogestrel; D016912:Levonorgestrel; D017135:Desogestrel