Bleeding profile in users of an etonogestrel sub-dermal implant: effects of anthropometric variables. An observational uncontrolled preliminary study in Italian population. (June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Di Carlo, Costantino; Guida, Maurizio; De Rosa, Nicoletta; Sansone, Anna; Gargano, Virginia; Cagnacci, Angelo; Nappi, Carmine
• Is Part Of: Gynecological endocrinology. Volume 31:Number 6(2015:Jun.)
• Page Start: 491
• Page End: 494
• Publication Date: 2015-06
• Subjects: Endocrine gynecology -- Periodicals; Generative organs, Female -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.1
• DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2015.1018163
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0951-3590

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Purpose</italic>: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the menstrual profile in users of the etonogestrel (ENG)-releasing implant (Nexplanon®) and the possible correlation with anthropometric variables.</p> <p> <italic>Methods</italic>: Ninety-two healthy women, desiring long-term contraception with the ENG implant were enrolled in a prospective observational study. Anthropometric variables were measured at baseline and after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Patients recorded daily the occurrence of any bleeding or spotting. The bleeding/spotting pattern was evaluated over consecutive 90-day intervals ("Reference Periods" – RPs). Patients who showed a favourable bleeding profile (amenorrhoea, infrequent, or normal bleeding) for 50% or more of the RPs were assigned to group A, while patients with a favourable bleeding profile for less than 50% of the RPs were assigned to group B.</p> <p> <italic>Results</italic>: Sixty-eight women (79%) were assigned to group A; 18 (21%) to group B. Group B had a lower baseline body mass index (BMI) than group A (24.84 ± 4.95 kg/m<sup>2</sup> versus 20.75 ± 4.41 kg/m<sup>2</sup>; <italic>p</italic> < 0.005).</p> <p> <italic>Conclusions</italic>: The ENG sub-dermal implant is a well-tolerated contraceptive method, with a high proportion of women experiencing a favourable bleeding profile. The lower basal BMI in Group B in comparison with Group A may account for the higher percentage of irregular bleeding.</p> </abstract>