Monthly injectable contraceptive use by adolescents in Brazil: evaluation of clinical aspects.
OBJECTIVE
This prospective noncomparative observational study evaluated the clinical symptoms, body weight and blood pressure of 38 adolescents receiving a monthly injectable contraceptive containing estradiol valerate 5 mg and norethisterone 50 mg.


METHODS
The volunteers, aged 16-19 years, were examined monthly during 1 year and asked about the following symptoms at baseline: dysmenorrhea, headache, breast tenderness, leg pain and irritability.


RESULTS
There was a constant and gradual decline in each of the above symptoms over time, and there was a statistically significant difference between symptoms reported at the first visit and subsequent appointments. Body weight and blood pressure did not change significantly during the 1-year period. No pregnancies were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that monthly injectable contraception with estradiol valerate 5 mg/norethisterone 50 mg represents a highly effective and well-tolerated contraceptive for teens.
Guazzelli
Cristina Aparecida Falbo
CA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of São Paulo Federal University (UNIFESP), Family Planning Clinic, CEP 09090-050 São Paulo, Brasil. c.guazzelli@uol.com.br
Jacobucci
Maria Silvia Bortolotti de Mello
MS
Barbieri
Márcia
M
Araújo
Fabio Fernando
FF
Moron
Antonio Fernades
AF
D000293:Adolescent; D016497:Adolescent Health Services; D001835:Body Weight; D001938:Brazil; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004958:Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D009640:Norethindrone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D011446:Prospective Studies
D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D004958:Estradiol; D009640:Norethindrone