Patients' perspectives about why they have their contraceptive Implanon NXT device removed early.
BACKGROUND
Women with long-acting, reversible contraceptive devices inserted may choose to remove them prior to their planned expiry dates.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to explore Australian women's experiences with the etonogestrel subdermal contraceptive implant (Implanon NXT) and why they had it removed early.


METHODS
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 women between June 2013 and January 2014. Transcriptions of the audio-taped interviews were analysed using a constant comparative analysis framework.


RESULTS
Two core themes of participants' responses that were identified in this study were influences on choice of contraception, which included convenience and information sources; and influences on removal of contraception, which included side effects and their negative impacts on relationships and financial costs.


CONCLUSIONS
This study highlights that women's experiences with side effects contribute to the early removal of long-acting contraceptive devices such as Implanon NXT. This study emphasises the importance of general practitioners (GPs) in providing comprehensive information about the benefits and potential side effects associated with using these implants.
Meike
M
Flore
Xiaoshuang Lilly
XL
Chen
Andrew
A
Bonney
Judy
J
Mullan
Bridget
B
Dijkmans-Hadley
Adam
A
Hodgkins
Gina
G
Evans
Haley
H
Frew
Gail
G
Lloyd
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D003267:Contraception / Q000379:methods; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000009:adverse effects; D017135:Desogestrel / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020878:Device Removal / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007508:Irritable Mood; D010465:Perception; D036301:Qualitative Research; D014592:Uterine Hemorrhage / Q000523:psychology
D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; C044815:etonogestrel; D017135:Desogestrel