Implanon: user views in the first year across three family planning services in the Trent Region, UK.

OBJECTIVE

Implanon (NV Organon, Oss, The Netherlands) was released in the United Kingdom towards the end of 1999. This survey elicited the experiences of women who had the new implant inserted in three family planning services in North Trent, UK during the first year after its introduction.

METHOD: A previously piloted questionnaire was sent to all Implanon users who had the devices fitted in the three services between December 1999 and December 2000. Returned questionnaires were analyzed.

RESULTS

Health-care providers and friends or family were the main sources of information about the single-rod contraceptive implant for the survey population. Women considered themselves informed about the method prior to insertion irrespective of whether they continued to use the method or requested early removal. Ease of use was the most common reason for choosing Implanon and one of the best-liked features. Bleeding irregularities were the most commonly reported side-effect, followed by weight gain, moods and headaches. Bleeding problems led to the majority of removal requests; the wish for pregnancy was not stated at all. The single-rod implant compared favorably with most responders' experiences with other methods of contraception. Further research into motivation and perceptions regarding modern contraceptives may be required in different populations.