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

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.

Acceptability of the levonorgestrel releasing-intrauterine system and etonogestrel implant: one-year results of an observational study.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the acceptability and patterns of use of the levonorgestrel releasing-intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) and the etonogestrel releasing-subdermal implant (ENG implant) among young European women. METHODS: A total of 454 women aged 20-35 years opting to switch their method of contraception from oral contraception to the LNG-IUS or ENG implant, were recruited in an observational study in four different European countries (France, Ireland, Slovakia and the United Kingdom). The present paper reports the interim results of the study at 12 months of observation. RESULTS: Data from 311 subjects (211 using the LNG-IUS and 100 using the ENG implant), with at least one follow-up visit after insertion, were analysed. The cumulative continuation rates at 12 months for the LNG-IUS and ENG implant were 93% and 86%, respectively. Most women were satisfied with their method of contraception after one year of follow-up (80% in the LNG-IUS group and 66% in the ENG implant group). CONCLUSIONS: Both the LNG-IUS and the ENG implant are highly acceptable contraceptive options among women with previous experience of oral contraceptive use. The highest continuation and satisfaction rates were observed with the LNG-IUS.