Patient satisfaction with a levonorgestrel-releasing contraceptive implant. Reasons for and patterns of removal.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the experience of the users of a levonorgestrel-releasing contraceptive implant (Nor-plant) and reasons for early removal. STUDY DESIGN: Two hundred fifty-one women who had Norplant placed through the Ohio State University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology were sent a questionnaire that included general demographic questions and questions regarding preplacement education; reasons for choosing Norplant; problems experienced due to Norplant; reasons for removal, if applicable; and overall satisfaction. RESULTS: One hundred eleven questionnaires (44%) were completed and analyzed. Twenty-four (21.6%) of patients had Norplant removed, 32 (28.8%) planned on early removal, and 55 (49.5%) desired continued use. Ninety-eight percent of women who planned continued use of Norplant had received reading material as part of their preplacement counseling and 95% felt adequately counseled. This is significantly higher than women who had Norplant removed or planned on early removal. Convenience, problems with other contraceptive methods and effectiveness were the most important reasons why patients chose Norplant. Menstrual changes were the most common side effect, experienced by 80% of all women in the study. Weight gain, headache, mood changes, mastalgia and acne were also frequently reported. Women who had Norplant removed were significantly more likely to have experienced dizziness when compared to women desiring continued use. Women planning early removal were also more likely to have experienced dizziness in addition to acne, headache, hair loss and other side effects. Menstrual irregularities, followed by mood changes and headaches, were the most important side effects associated with early Norplant removal. Overall, 68% of users were at least somewhat satisfied with Norplant. CONCLUSION: Norplant contraception was a satisfactory form of birth control for the majority of patients in the study despite the frequent occurrence of side effects. Reading material regarding benefits and side effects of Norplant is an important aspect of patient counseling and may improve long-term use of Norplant.