Implanon Implant Contraception at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital: A Periodic Review

Background: Implanon subdermal implant has been in use for contraception in our centre for over a decade; hence we decided to evaluate its usage so as to improve services.

Objectives: To determine the acceptance, efficacy and side effects among users of Implanon in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Methods: It is a 10 year longitudinal retrospective study of clients who accepted and used Implanon for contraception in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Southern Nigeria. The case files in the family planning clinic were retrieved and information on their biodata, source of information, complications and reason for removal were extracted. Data obtained was filled into a spread sheet, analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 and presented in tables of frequencies and percentages.

Results: Of the 3,829 who accepted modern contraception in the period under review, 361 women chose Impanon giving an up take rate of 9.4%. Their mean age was 32.1±7.1; most of them were multipara 340(94.2%) with a mean parity of 4.±5.3 while 346(95.7%) had secondary education and above. Irregular vaginal bleeding was the major complaint 73(86.9%) while the main reason for removal of the implant was desire for conception 87(48.6%). Pearl index was 0.003.

Conclusion: Implanon is a very effective and safe method of contraception with increasing acceptance in Port Harcourt, southern Nigeria.