Ectopic pregnancy with Implanon® as a method of contraception in a woman with a previous ectopic pregnancy – Case report

Abstract

Objectives To present a rare case of tubal ectopic pregnancy in a woman using Implanon® after a previous contralateral ectopic pregnancy that had occurred without contraceptive use.

Case A 26-year-old woman presented with an ectopic pregnancy conceived whilst having an etonogestrel implant (Implanon®) in situ. A laparoscopic salpingectomy was performed and the implant was removed. Two years previously she had been treated for a contralateral ectopic pregnancy following which the implant was inserted.

Conclusion Implanon®, being a highly effective long-acting reversible method of contraception, has been advocated in women with previous ectopic pregnancy. However, as demonstrated by this case, ectopic pregnancy may exceptionally supervene even in the absence of identified risk factors for contraceptive failure.

key words:

• Implanon®
• Etonogestrel implant
• Long acting contraception
• Failure
• Ectopic pregnancy

Declaration of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the contents and the writing of this paper.

Source of funding: none