Comparison of two contraceptive implants: Levonorgestrel
versus
Etonogestrel
H Aktun, B Polat, R Neslihanoglu, I Tarhan, L Mollamahmutolu
Zekai
Tahir Burak Maternity Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
Objective The study aimed to
assess the possible side effects and differences of Implanon and Norplant
implants, over 3 years of use.
Methods This is a 5-year prospective randomized
study of 330 Implanon and 711 Norplant acceptors. Selected parameters were
evaluated in every 6 months.
Results In both the implant groups, the most
frequent complaintment was irregular vaginal bleeding (73 % for implanon and
45.9 for norplant). Headache, breast hypersensitivity, hirsutismus, acne,
ovarian cysts, palpitation, hyper tension, rush and libido changes were the
other side effects. Cancellation rate was 25.7 % in implanon group, and 7.6 %
for norplant.
Conclusion Both, Implanon and Norplant are acceptable
contraception to women in all reproductive age groups. Change in bleeding
patterns was the main cause for dissatisfaction. Providing women with detailed
information before insertion of the implant is important.