Contraceptive efficacy and side effects of Implanon.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy and side effects of Implanon used for long-term contraception.


METHODS
Prospective study of 80 patients who used Implanon for long-term contraception between January 2004 and January 2006. Side effects, efficacy and removals were recorded.


RESULTS
Amenorrhoea, infrequent bleeding and frequent bleeding were reported by 33 (41.25%), 19 (23.75%) and 14 patients (17.5%), respectively. Non-menstrual side effects comprised breast tenderness in 15 patients (18.75%), acne in eight (10%), headache and dizziness in three (3.75%); depressive mood disorders, pelvic pain and loss of libido were mentioned each by two of the women (2.5%). During the study period, Implanon was removed from 20 participants. No problem was encountered during its placement or removal.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients considering use of Implanon must be carefully selected and informed about its expected side effects before placement.
Gezginc
K
K
Selcuk University, Medical Faculty of Meram, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Konya, Turkey. kazimgezginc@hotmail.com
Balci
O
O
Karatayli
R
R
Colakoglu
M C
MC
D000328:Adult; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000592:standards*; D017135:Desogestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000592:standards*; D004343:Drug Implants; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014421:Turkey / Q000453:epidemiology
D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D004343:Drug Implants; C044815:etonogestrel; D017135:Desogestrel