Bleeding patterns of adolescents using a combination contraceptive injection for 1 year.
OBJECTIVE
This prospective observational study evaluated the bleeding patterns of adolescents receiving a monthly injectable contraceptive containing norethisterone enanthate 50 mg plus estradiol valerate 5 mg.


METHODS
The study enrolled 73 volunteers aged between 14 and 19 years; of these patients, 38 (52%) recorded their menstrual cycles during 1 year.


RESULTS
After 1 year of using the contraceptive, most of the 38 women (71.1%) had adequate menstrual patterns (two to four bleeding episodes; none lasting 10 days or longer; with a range of bleeding-free intervals not exceeding 17 days), 23.7% reported prolonged bleeding episodes, 2.6% had irregular bleeding and 2.6% had amenorrhea. Only 1 of the 38 teenagers is known to have discontinued the method due to bleeding. Among these 38 adolescents, dissatisfaction with bleeding patterns was not a frequent reason given for discontinuation of the monthly injectable contraceptive.
Bortolotti de Mello Jacobucci
Maria Silvia
MS
Family Planning Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, São Paulo Federal University, São Paulo, Brazil.
Guazzelli
Cristina Aparecida Falbo
CA
Barbieri
Márcia
M
Araújo
Fabio Fernando
FF
Moron
Antonio Fernandes
AF
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004958:Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D008598:Menstruation / Q000187:drug effects*; D008599:Menstruation Disturbances / Q000139:chemically induced; D009640:Norethindrone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011446:Prospective Studies
D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004958:Estradiol; C024319:norethindrone enanthate; D009640:Norethindrone