Implanon Research Articles

Welcome developments in contraception

Welcome developments in contraception

Complications with Implanon as Contraceptive

Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the complications with Implanon contraceptive. Study Design: Descriptive. Place and Duration of study: The study was conducted in Gynae unit I in collaboration with family planning centre in Nishtar Hospital Multan, from Jan 2004 to Jan 2007. Patients and Methods: A total of 45 women of reproductive age group were selected and after taking complete history, examination and investigations, all women suitable for Implanon were included and those who had hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity and pelvic pathology were excluded from the study. Results: The main complaint in study was menstrual disturbance. Out of 45 women, 20 developed amenorrhoea, 14 complained of irregular vaginal bleeding. And only 6 women presented with frequent periods. However normal menstrual cycle was observed in 6 women. No change was observed in weight in 15 women, while 12 women complained of mild weight reduction. Weight gain upto 2 kg was observed in 18 women. Only 10 women complained of breast tenderness and skin problem was observed in 5 women. Out of 45 women, 39 were satisfied but 6 asked for removal due to menstrual disturbance. Conclusion: Implanon like other systemic progestegens is not free of complications. Amenorrhea and infrequent irregular periods are the main complaints, while weight gain and acne are minor problems. Key Words: Hormonal contraception, Third generation progestogen( etonogestrel), Implanon, Menstrual irregularities

Removal of etonogestrel contraceptive implants in the operating theater: report on 28 cases

Objectives We describe removal procedures for etonogestrel contraceptive implants in the operating theater. In addition, we discuss the management of removal of contraceptive implants that are difficult to palpate or are impalpable. Design We conducted a retrospective single-center case series analysis of Implanon™ removals conducted at a university hospital between January 2002 and April 2005. Materials and Methods We analyzed case notes for 28 patients who had their contraceptive implant removed in the operating theater. Results Intermenstrual bleeding was the principal reason for removal (52.4%). Ten patients already had one attempted removal of their implant. Preoperative ultrasound localized the implant in all cases. Half of the removals were done under local anesthetic, with three cases progressing to general anesthesia (11%). Thirty percent of the implants had migrated from their initial implantation, 37% were in intramuscular tissue and 11% were in the humeral neurovascular sheath. The only postoperative complications were one small seroma and transient paresthesia in the territory of the ulnar nerve. The implant was not found in one case. Conclusions The removal of an implant that is not palpable or difficult to palpate should take place in the operating theater following localization by ultrasound. Patients must be fully informed about the procedure, including its complications and the risk for failure.