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


METHODS
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.


RESULTS
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(2) versus 20.75 ± 4.41 kg/m(2); p < 0.005).


CONCLUSIONS
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.
['Di Carlo|Costantino|C|', 'Guida|Maurizio|M|', 'De Rosa|Nicoletta|N|', 'Sansone|Anna|A|', 'Gargano|Virginia|V|', 'Cagnacci|Angelo|A|', 'Nappi|Carmine|C|']
D000328:Adult D000568:Amenorrhea D000886:Anthropometry D015992:Body Mass Index D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations D017135:Desogestrel D005260:Female D006801:Humans D007558:Italy D008598:Menstruation D011446:Prospective Studies D014592:Uterine Hemorrhage
etonogestrel Nexplanon Body mass index Implanon menstrual bleeding patterns progestin-only contraception