Use of etonogestrel subcutaneous implant in Sardinia, Italy: women’s compliance and satisfaction

Abstract

Purpose of the article

The main aim of the study was to analyze the population of women who used etonogestrel implant, the reason that led them to this type of contraception, and the degree of compliance with it. Materials and methods: We carried out a retrospective study on women who had etonogestrel subcutaneous implant placed (n°47) over a 6-year period (2015–2021). We submitted the women a series of questions by telephone questionnaire (range 10–72 months after placements, mean 40 months) that investigated the comorbidities and side effects related to etonogestrel implant.

Materials and methods

We carried out a retrospective study on women who had etonogestrel subcutaneous implant placed (n°47) over a 6-year period (2015–2021). We submitted the women a series of questions by telephone questionnaire (range 10–72 months after placements, mean 40 months) that investigated the comorbidities and side effects related to etonogestrel implant.

Results

The average age of placement of etonogestrel implant was 33.8 ± 3.45 years. As regards level of education, 16/47 (34%) of the women had a university degree, 21/47 (44%) had a high school diploma and 10/47 (21%) had a secondary school diploma. The 12/47 (25%) of the women were, at the time of the counselling, unemployed and only 8% did not use in the past contraceptive methods other than etonogestrel implant. The 92% of women choose etonogestrel implant because it offered safe, comfortable and long-lasting contraception. Among the main side effects evaluated, we reported spotting in 24 out of 47 (51%), headache in 4 out of 47 (8.5%). The 85% of the women recommended etonogestrel implant to their friends as a contraceptive method, with an approval rating for the implant, expressed a rating from 1 to 10 with the mean that was 7.79, the median 8.

Conclusions

Our results are of interest because they derive from a region of Italy in which the Long acting reversible contraception (LARC) is strongly underused. Etonogestrel implant was a safe and effective, long-acting, reversible hormonal contraception (LARC) and majority of women recommended the etonogestrel implant to their friends as a contraceptive method.

SHORT CONDENSATION

Etonogestrel implant is a safe and effective, long-acting, reversible hormonal contraception (LARC). The majority of women in our study choose the etonogestrel implant for its characteristics; among the main side effects evaluated we reported spotting and headache. The majority of women recommended the etonogestrel implant to their friends as a contraceptive method.

Keywords:

• Hormonal contraception
• contraceptives implants
• long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC)
• nexplanon®
• etonogestrel (ENG)
• etonogestrel implant

Ethical approval

Our local Institutional Review Board approved the study.

Acknowledgements

PhD in Biochemical Sciences, address in Gender Medicine of the woman, of the man and of child, University of Sassari.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).