Review of implanon usage in women attending a fertility control
clinic
J. Amu, A. Basu, O. Amu
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Royal
Oldham Hospital, Oldham, UK
Objective Implanon is a long-term
reversible contraceptive implant. This study aims at reviewing the usage trends
of Implanon among women attending a fertility control clinic in a District
General Hospital.
Methods A retrospective analysis of data over a three year
period from women who chose Implanon as future contraception.
Results During
the study period women deemed suitable with no contraindication were offered
Implanon as a long term reversible contraceptive. A total of 470 women had
Implanon inserted in the periabortal period while another 31 had it removed.
Most of the referrals were from General Practitioners though there were some
through other sources. The average age of women in the insertion group was 26.
Among them, 85% were Caucasians, 11% were Asians and 2.7% were Afro-Caribbeans.
56% of the insertion group were nulliparous while 24% had been pregnant only
once. 39% had used combined oral contraceptives in the past while 32% had used
condoms. 18% had not used any type of contraception in the past. Implanon had
been used in the past by only 1. Unplanned pregnancy was the commonest reason
(66%) for these women requesting termination of pregnancy and 6% wanted
termination for poor finances. Of those who had a second reason (212) 35% could
not cope with a pregnancy and 26% felt the pregnancy was unplanned.
Conclusion Implanon is a widely accepted and tolerated modality of contraception. It should
be considered as an option in women seeking termination of pregnancy for
available reasons.