Etonogestrel contraceptive implant (Implanon): analysis of patient compliance and adverse effects in the breastfeeding period

Objective: To analyse the compliance of patients and side effects of Implanon during breast feeding. Material and Methods: Prospective study of 61 postpartum women who chose Implanon for long term contraception between April 2007 and December 2009. Compliance, side effects and removals were recorded. Results: Amenorrhoea, prolonged bleeding, frequent bleeding and infrequent bleeding were reported in 20 (32%), 13 (21%), 4 (6.5%) and 2 (3.2%) patients, respectively. Non-menstrual side effects experienced by participants included; weight gain reported by 10 patients (16%), anxiety by 6 (9.8%), breast tenderness by 4 (6.5%), headache by 4 (6.5%), pain at the insertion site by two (3.2%), hirstutism by two (3.2%), acne by 1 (1.6%), loss of libido by 1 (1.6%), weight gain and headache by two (3.2%), weight gain and anxiety by two (1.6%). The mean breastfeeding period was 16±7.4 /months. During the follow up, Implanon was removed from 24 patients (39%). Conclusion: If patients are well informed about its expected side effects before placement, Implanon is well tolerated and i an acceptable choice for women who have recently experienced labor and are looking for long term reversible contraception.