title: In situ breakage of Implanon®--two cases of a rare occurrence.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In situ breakage of Implanon® is a rare occurrence with unknown clinical significance. Authors report two different cases of broken Implanon® of women attended at our Family Planning Clinic.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In situ implants may spontaneously and asymptomatically break, although some uncertainty relies on whether that situation has a real impact on the contraceptive effectiveness or on bleeding patterns. Even more, it can be argued if, as a result of an occurrence of that nature, the implant shall or shall not be removed before the envisaged 3-year period of effectiveness.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Currently, the clinical significance of implant breakage remains unknown. The decision to remove a broken or bent implant should be based on clinical judgements considering patients' wishes.
authors.affiliation: Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Central - Maternidade Dr. Alfredo da Costa, Rua Viriato n°1, 1069-089 Lisboa, Portugal. torresrita@gmail.com
authors.forename: Rita
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Torres
authors.forename: Neuza
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mendes
authors.forename: Ana Isabel
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Machado
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Marques
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017135:Desogestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020878:Device Removal; D004343:Drug Implants; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005193:Family Planning Services; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011174:Portugal
chemical_list: D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D004343:Drug Implants; C044815:etonogestrel; D017135:Desogestrel