Continuation rates of Implanon in the UK: data from an observational study in a clinical setting.
BACKGROUND
Long-acting reversible methods of contraception can potentially reduce unintended pregnancy. There are few data on "real-life" continuation rates of the contraceptive implant Implanon.


METHODS
Three hundred twenty-four women choosing Implanon in a community family planning clinic in Scotland were followed up by case note review (n=236) or postal questionnaire (n=87) 3 years after insertion of the implant (1 woman chose not to disclose her home address).


RESULTS
Data were available for 85% of the women. Continuation rates were 89% (CI 84-91) at 6 months, 75% (CI 69-79) at 1 year, 59% (CI 52-63) at 2 years and 47% (CI 40-52) at 2 years and 9 months. Of the 68 women who discontinued Implanon within 1 year, 62 (91%) did so because of unwanted side effects, the most common being frequent and/or unpredictable bleeding (n=42, 62%). Almost half changed to a less-effective method of contraception; however, one third (n=99, 39%) chose to use a second implant when the first one expired.


CONCLUSIONS
Continuation rates of Implanon in this clinic setting in the UK make it a cost-effective method of contraception and justify its widespread provision.
Lakha
Fatim
F
Department of Clinical Science and Community Health, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.
Glasier
Anna F
AF
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003267:Contraception / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017135:Desogestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D004343:Drug Implants / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006113:United Kingdom; D028761:Withholding Treatment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D004343:Drug Implants; C044815:etonogestrel; D017135:Desogestrel