The Etonogestrel Implant in Adolescents: Factors Associated With Removal for Bothersome Bleeding in the First Year After Insertion.

Abstract

STUDY OBJECTIVE:

Temporizing measures such as hormonal pills can temporarily improve the side effect of breakthrough bleeding in individuals using the etonogestrel implant. The aims of this study were to determine demographic factors that are associated with bothersome bleeding and to evaluate the impact of prescribing temporizing measures on implant continuation.

DESIGN:

Retrospective chart review.

SETTING:

The research was conducted in an adolescent medicine primary and specialty care clinic, an adolescent family planning clinic, and a clinic that cares for parenting adolescents.

PARTICIPANTS:

A chart review was conducted on 1200 patients aged 12-24 years who received the implant in 2016.

INTERVENTIONS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

The primary outcome measure was removal of the implant within the first year of use. We followed each patient for 1 year to determine rates of removal, reasons for removal, and temporizing measures prescribed for bleeding.

RESULTS:

Younger age and lower body mass index were associated with reporting bothersome vaginal bleeding. Patients who were nulliparous or had bothersome bleeding were more likely to have the implant removed in the first year. Patients who received a temporizing measure for bleeding were more likely to retain the implant for 1 year than were those who did not receive one (67.1% vs 40%, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Some patients are more likely to report concerns with bleeding or to have the implant removed in the first year after insertion. Prescribing temporizing measures to control bothersome vaginal bleeding may decrease rates of removal in the first year.

• Authors: Sarah Green, Jeanelle Sheeder, Molly Richards
• Journal: Journal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology (J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol) Vol. 34 Issue 6 Pg. 825-831 (Dec 2021) ISSN: 1873-4332 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 34089858 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Contraceptive Agents, Female
• Drug Implants
• etonogestrel
• Desogestrel

Topics

• Adolescent
• Contraceptive Agents, Female
• Desogestrel
• Drug Implants
• Female
• Humans
• Retrospective Studies