Contraception. 2013 Jul 29. pii: S0010-7824(13)00500-3. doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2013.07.008. [Epub ahead of print]
Administration of the etonogestrel contraceptive implant on the day of mifepristone for medical abortion: a pilot study
Sonalkar S, Hou M, Borgatta L.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University Medical Center
Sarita.Sonalkar@bmc.org
OBJECTIVE:
We sought to determine satisfaction and continuation rates of the contraceptive implant when placed on the initial visit for first-trimester medical abortion.
STUDY DESIGN:
In this pilot study, we placed the implant within 15 min of mifepristone administration. We assessed satisfaction with implant placement timing, 1-year implant continuation and abortion completion.
RESULTS:
We enrolled 20 participants. Sixteen (80%) returned for follow-up, and all had complete abortion. At 1 year, of 16 participants contacted, 14 (87.5%) were satisfied with implant insertion timing, and 14 (87.5%) continued the implant.
CONCLUSIONS:
Initiation of the contraceptive implant on the initial visit for medical abortion resulted in high satisfaction and continuation rates.
IMPLICATIONS:
This pilot study provides important groundwork for future larger studies to assess initiation of the contraceptive implant on the day of mifepristone for medical abortion
Comment: This small study shows that it is safe and efficient to provide a woman, who comes for medical abortion, to provide with long acting reversable contraception immediately. Since many women do not come back for follow up after abortion, this is good public health. (HMV)
