[Contraception with levonorgestrel subdermal implants. A Tunisian study]. / La contraception par les implants sous-cutanés de lévonorgestrel. Une étude tunisienne.

OBJECTIVES: We report our experience in Tunisia with contraception by subdermal levonogestrel implants. METHODS: From January 1, 1990 through June 30, 1994 we inserted 1021 implants at our family planning center in Ariana. RESULTS: Our experience with this pure progesterone implant showed that this method provides effective long-duration contraception. There was only one case of ectopic pregnancy among our 1021 patients. The most frequent undesirable effect and the first cause of discontinuing treatment was disturbed menstrual cycle with irregular discharge. CONCLUSION: Our results underline the importance of counselling before implant insertion. A 10-day estrogen regimen may provide a solution for menstrual disorders.