Acceptability of long-acting, progestin-only contraception in Europe: A two-year prospective, non-interventional study

Abstract

Objectives To compare two-year continuation rates and user satisfaction with the levonorgestrel releasing-intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) and the etonogestrel releasing-subdermal implant (ENG implant) in women in Europe.

Methods This prospective, non-interventional study was undertaken at 72 sites in France (n = 61), Great Britain (n = 2), Ireland (n = 3) and Slovakia (n = 6). Women opting to switch their method of contraception to the LNG-IUS or the ENG implant were followed-up over 24 months to document continuation and satisfaction with their chosen contraceptive method. Reasons for discontinuation were documented.

Results The data analysed were based on 363 women (LNG-IUS [n = 247] and ENG implant [n = 116]), aged 20 to 45 years, with at least one follow-up visit after contraceptive placement. The documented cumulative continuation rate was 82% in the LNG-IUS group and 67% in the ENG implant group at 24 months. The documented discontinuation rates were 13% and 17%, respectively. Bleeding problems were cited as reason for discontinuation in 4% and 11% of women in the LNG-IUS and ENG implant groups, respectively.

Conclusions The LNG-IUS is associated with higher continuation rates and user satisfaction than the ENG implant in this study of women in Europe, though the groups were not similar in all respects. Bleeding problems with the ENG implant account for most of the reasons for discontinuing its use.

KEYWORDS:

• Levonorgestrel releasing-intrauterine system
• Etonogestrel releasing-subdermal implant
• Long-acting reversible contraceptives
• Continuation
• Satisfaction

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Funding for this study was provided by Bayer HealthCare. Medical writing assistance was provided by Richard Glover of inScience Communications, Springer Healthcare. The funding for this assistance was provided by Bayer HealthCare.

Declaration of interest: MS was the principal investigator of the study and has participated as a speaker in events sponsored by Bayer HealthCare, Berlin, Germany. SO and DD acted as leading investigators for the study in the UK and France, respectively, they declare no conflict of interest. KS and PI are employees of the study sponsor. The authors alone are responsible for the content and the writing of the paper.