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Management and localisation strategies to remove nonpalpable contraceptive implants may be difficult. We aimed to evaluate our imaging modalities to identify deep implant and patient outcomes related to removal. In this retrospective study, we reviewed all cases referred to our specialised centre for nonpalpable contraceptive implants from January 2018 to August 2022. Out of the cohort studied, 47 female subjects exhibited nonpalpable implants. The implant was nonpalpable for thirty-six patients (76,6%) immediately after the insertion whereas it was not palpable several months after the insertion for eleven patients (23.4%). Twelve patients (25.5%) had one or more failed removal attempts before referral. All 47 implants were successfully visualised via ultrasound in the upper arm: 40 implants (85.1%) were located in the subdermal tissue, 4 (8.5%) were intrafascial and 3 (6.4%) were intramuscular. Depth of the implant was 4.0 mm [1.7 − 12.0]. No clinical factors were statistically associated with differences in depth or location (subdermal vs subfascial). Removal procedures were mainly under local anaesthesia in 74.5% of cases in an outpatient setting. There were two Clavien-Dindo grade 1 complications (one case of cutaneous scar dehiscence and one transient postoperative neuropathic complaint in the upper arm resolved within 3 months under analgetics) Identification of deep implants requires following the ultrasound modality protocol. Ultrasound detection makes easy and safe implant removal. Training programs for the insertion as well as for the removal of correct and incorrect inserted implants should be continued and developed all around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The etonogestrel contraceptive implant is currently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention of pregnancy up to 3 years. However, studies that suggest efficacy up to 5 years. There is little information on the prevalence of extended use and the factors that influence clinicians in offering extended use. We investigated clinician perspectives on the barriers and facilitators to offering extended use of the contraceptive implant. Methods Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), we conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews. Participants were recruited from a nationwide survey study of reproductive health clinicians on their knowledge and perspective of extended use of the contraceptive implant. To optimize the diversity of perspectives, we purposefully sampled participants from this study. We used content analysis and consensual qualitative research methods to inform our coding and data analysis. Themes arose deductively and inductively. Results We interviewed 20 clinicians including advance practice clinicians, family medicine physicians, obstetrician/gynecologist and complex family planning sub-specialists. Themes regarding barriers and facilitators to extended use of the contraceptive implant emerged. Barriers included the FDA approval for 3 years and clinician concern about liability in the context of off-label use of the contraceptive implant. Educational materials and a champion of extended use were facilitators. Conclusions There is opportunity to expand access to extended use of the contraceptive implant by developing educational materials for clinicians and patients, identifying a champion of extended use, and providing information on extended use prior to replacement appointments at 3 years.

Issue Addressed: The internet is an important source of health information, however, the quality of information about long‐acting reversible contraception (LARC, including intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants) found online is largely unknown. Methods: A scoping review of webpages returned in a Google search was conducted. The first three pages of results were included if they were written in English and contained information about LARC. Results were critically reviewed and assessed using the DISCERN quality of health information tool. Results: Of 778 results, 306 pages met the eligibility criteria. While most webpages provided key information about LARC, including location in the body, benefits, side effects and risks, the information provided varied considerably. Only half mentioned efficacy and many webpages did not provide information about the cost of insertion and removal, how and where to access the devices or how they work. Despite side effects being mentioned in more than three‐quarters of webpages, the depth and specificity of these varied considerably and were often contradictory across different webpages. Conclusions: Most webpages provided medically accurate information to consumers; however, many did not include key information such as cost or how they work. Descriptions of side effects varied between webpages, and this may inhibit informed decision‐making. So What?: Most people make decisions about what contraceptive method they might like to use before visiting a health care provider, and most will get this information from the internet. Providing comprehensive, medically accurate and consistent information about both IUDs and contraceptive implants is vital to support informed decision‐making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The etonogestrel contraceptive implant is currently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention of pregnancy up to 3 years. However, studies that suggest efficacy up to 5 years. There is little information on the prevalence of extended use and the factors that influence clinicians in offering extended use. We investigated clinician perspectives on the barriers and facilitators to offering extended use of the contraceptive implant. Methods: Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), we conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews. Participants were recruited from a nationwide survey study of reproductive health clinicians on their knowledge and perspective of extended use of the contraceptive implant. To optimize the diversity of perspectives, we purposefully sampled participants from this study. We used content analysis and consensual qualitative research methods to inform our coding and data analysis. Themes arose deductively and inductively. Results: We interviewed 20 clinicians including advance practice clinicians, family medicine physicians, obstetrician/gynecologist and complex family planning sub-specialists. Themes regarding barriers and facilitators to extended use of the contraceptive implant emerged. Barriers included the FDA approval for 3 years and clinician concern about liability in the context of off-label use of the contraceptive implant. Educational materials and a champion of extended use were facilitators. Conclusions: There is opportunity to expand access to extended use of the contraceptive implant by developing educational materials for clinicians and patients, identifying a champion of extended use, and providing information on extended use prior to replacement appointments at 3 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migration is a rare but serious complication of the etonogestrel contraceptive implant, and little is known about its extent. To document and characterise cases of etonogestrel contraceptive implant migration in the scientific literature. A systematic review of Medline, Embase and Global Health databases was carried out between January 2000 and January 2023 to identify articles presenting implant migrations. Narrative reviews, conference abstracts and articles not written in English or French were excluded. Forty-five articles, mostly published since 2016, were identified (eight case series and 37 case reports), for a total of 148 independent cases of migration: in pulmonary blood vessels (n = 74), in non-pulmonary blood vessels (n = 16) and extravascular (n = 58). Many patients are asymptomatic and migration is often an incidental finding. A non-palpable implant and symptoms related to implant location (intra- or extra-vascular) may be indicative of migration. Inadequate insertion and normal or underweight appear to increase the risk of migration. Scientific societies and authors offer practical strategies to deal with implant migration. Professionals who insert and remove contraceptive implants must be adequately trained. They need to be on the lookout for implant migration, and promptly refer patients to appropriate care if migration is suspected. This systematic review documents and characterises 148 cases of vascular and extravascular etonogestrel contraceptive implant migration. Healthcare professionals must be aware of this rare but serious complication and be adequately trained to insert and remove contraceptive implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractYoung people comprise a significant proportion of migrants and refugees in Australia. Many encounter challenges in accessing contraception information and services. This study explored the views and experiences of young women from migrant and/or refugee backgrounds regarding the contraceptive implant and related decision-making. Interviews were conducted with 33 women, aged 15–24, living in New South Wales, Australia, who spoke a language other than English and had some experience of the implant. Three themes were developed from the data as follows: ‘Finding your own path’: contraception decision-making (in which participants described sex and contraception as being taboo in their community, yet still made independent contraceptive choices); Accessing ‘trustworthy’ contraception information and navigating services (in which participants consulted online resources and social media for contraception information, and preferred discussions with healthcare providers from outside their community); and Views and experiences of the contraceptive implant (while the implant was described as a ‘Western’ method, most participants regarded it as an acceptable, convenient, cost-effective, and confidential means of contraception). Decision-making regarding the implant is influenced by many factors which must be considered in health promotion efforts and when providing clinical care. Consideration of more informative health promotion resources, peer education strategies, and healthcare provider training is warranted to support contraception decision-making and choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the outcome of women presenting with nonpalpable contraceptive implants to a referral center in Ethiopia. In addition, we discuss our approach and experience with localization and removal of nonpalpable contraceptive implants. Methods: We conducted a facility‐based retrospective review of patients evaluated for a nonpalpable contraceptive implant between September 2019 and March 2022 at St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC) located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. SPHMMC is a tertiary teaching hospital with Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN) residency as well as a Family Planning fellowship program. The present study was approved by the institutional review board of SPHMMC. Results: Of the 68 patients reviewed, 48 were referred from other facilities. A total of 24 (35.3%) patients had at least one previous failed attempt at removal before referral. On ultrasound examination, 27 (40.3%) implants were found below the muscle fascia. Implant removal procedures were successfully done at the outpatient clinic in 65 (95.6%) patients including 40/40 (100%) suprafascial and 25/27 (92.6%) subfascial implants. Removal of subfascial implants was performed in the operating room in two patients. We failed to localize the device in one patient currently on follow‐up. All removals were performed by OBGYNs with subspecialty training in family planning or current fellows supervised by subspecialists. No post‐procedure complications have been documented. Conclusion: Our findings show that with meticulous evaluation and careful patient selection, localization and removal of nonpalpable implants in outpatient settings are successful. Initial ultrasonography minimizes delays and allows for same‐day implant localization and removal. Synopsis: Localization and removal of nonpalpable implants need careful evaluation. Specialized centers are essential to care for these patients and referral pathways should be arranged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-visit long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is cost-effective and convenient. Our objective was to compare incidence of single-visit LARC placement and associated factors during the year before the COVID-19 pandemic (March 15, 2020) and the first year of the pandemic. This retrospective cohort study analyzed electronic health records from a large healthcare system. Eligible adolescents were aged 10–19 years and received outpatient LARC from March 15, 2019 to March 14, 2021. Logistic regression models determined the relationship of patient and provider characteristics on single-visit LARC before and during COVID-19. One thousand six adolescents initiated LARC during the study period. Fewer adolescents received single-visit LARC during COVID-19 (289/506, 57.1%) compared to before (315/500, 63.0%), although changes in odds of single-visit LARC were not statistically significant. Concordance between county of patient residence and the location of the LARC placement facility was associated with single-visit LARC before (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.75) and during (aOR = 1.74) the pandemic (both p <.05). During the pandemic, a few factors were associated with reduced odds of single-visit LARC: (1) public insurance (aOR = 0.49, p <.01), (2) nonobstetricians/nongynecologists providers (pediatrics [aOR = 0.35, p <.01], family medicine [aOR = 0.53, p <.01], or internal medicine [aOR = 0.14, p <.05]), and (3) advanced practice practitioners (aOR = 0.49, p <.01). Incidence of single-visit LARC was similar before and during the pandemic. Certain factors were associated with lower odds of single-visit LARC insertion, suggesting differential access during the pandemic for subgroups of adolescents. Our findings may guide policy and programmatic interventions to improve access to single-visit LARC for all adolescent populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Implant-site necrosis is a rare complication. We present a case-series of a necrosis as an adverse effect after the etonogestrel (ENG)-subdermal contraceptive implant placement. Material and methods: Five women with site necrosis after the ENG-implant placement and their clinical manifestations and treatments. Results: Local pain was the main symptom, appearing within 35 days of placement. Outpatient multidisciplinary treatment was undertaken. Local debridement and implant removal was performed in four out of the five women. Time to complete healing varied from 45 days to 12 months. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment are essential to avoid severe aesthetic or functional damages and major life-threatening complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction This systematic review sought predictors of unfavourable bleeding profiles in women using the etonogestrel contraceptive implant. Unfavourable bleeding is common and a leading cause of requests for removal. Methods We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), and prospective and retrospective cohort studies from 1998 to October 2022. Inclusion criteria were healthy women using etonogestrel for contraception. Papers not in English were excluded as were ongoing or incomplete studies. We searched Pubmed, Pubmed Central, MEDLINE (Web of Science & Ovid), Cochrane library, CINAHL Plus, WHO (HINARI), Open Grey and Greynet.org. Risk of Bias was assessed using ROB2 IRPGv9 for RCTs and ROBINS‐I for non‐RCTs. We conducted a narrative analysis. Results We included 13 studies. Lower body mass index (BMI), younger age, parity and smoking status were statistically, significantly associated with unfavourable bleeding patterns in one or more studies. No studies reported post‐partum status having a significant association with unfavourable bleeding. The available data was too limited and too heterogeneous to perform a robust meta‐analysis. Discussion Heterogeneity in reported outcomes and timescales limited the accuracy of synthesis. Risk of bias was moderate to serious in non‐RCTs due to baseline differences and missing or imputed data. The protective effect of higher BMI for unfavourable bleeding is in keeping with previous reviews and studies and is a clinically important finding.

Abstract Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine has become a popular adjunct to in-person visits, including for family planning services. This study determined the proportion of clients participated in telemedicine services and the association between sociodemographic factors and telemedicine participation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The adverse effects within the first seven days post-insertion were also reported. Methods This retrospective cohort study considered data from all women initiating contraceptive implantation between June 2020 and August 2021 at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. Clients were offered the following two options for follow-up visits: in-person or communication via an online LINE® Official Account (LINE® OA), a free chat application widely used among the Thais. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between socio-demographic factors and telehealth usage. Results In total, 574 of 947 (60.6%) clients participated in telemedicine follow-up services during the period considered. A significant association between telemedicine usage and the following were observed: the peak of second wave COVID-19 outbreak in Thailand, using the period preceding the second wave as a reference [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.47 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12–1.96)]; participants receiving governmental benefits for contraceptive implant payment (aOR: 3.23, 95% CI: 1.86–5.60), and timing of contraceptive implant(s) initiation, using interval insertion as a reference for which aORs of postpartum and immediate postpartum insertions were 0.62 (95% CI: 0.43–0.90) and 0.35 (95% CI: 0.24–0.52), respectively. Significant ecchymosis at the insertion site was observed in 13.1% of participants. Conclusion This study emphasizes the significance of telemedicine during the COVID-19 epidemic, particularly in facilitating contraceptive implant initiation. Our data show a significant increase in the uptake and utilization of telemedicine during the pandemic’s peak. The data also shows that during the period of Thailand’s second COVID-19 epidemic, government benefits for contraceptive implant payment, and the timing of contraceptive implant initiation, are significantly associated with telemedicine use. This finding supports the continued use of telemedicine in healthcare, particularly for services like family planning, where remote follow-ups can provide safe, efficient, and timely care.

ObjectivesTo assess referral center outcomes with removal of difficult or nonpalpable contraceptive implants using high-frequency point-of-care ultrasonography.Study designWe present a case series examining patients referred to our specialty center from January 2019 through September 2020 for difficult or nonpalpable implant removal.ResultsOf the 54 referrals, 6 had palpable implants and 48 required ultrasonography. We localized 46 (96%) implants in-office, including 13 located subfascially; 2 Implanon implants could not be localized. We successfully completed 50 (96%) of 52 attempted in-office removals, including 12 (92%) subfascial implants.ConclusionHigh-frequency point-of-care ultrasonography can effectively localize nonpalpable contraceptive implants leading to successful in-office removal.ImplicationsSpecialists can use high-frequency point-of-care ultrasonography to localize nonpalpable implants without formal radiology scans and skilled technologists, optimizing patient time and convenience. However, the probe is expensive, and providers may need to consider this cost in the context of reimbursement for these highly specialized procedures.

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine has become a popular adjunct to in-person visits, including for family planning services. This study determined the proportion of clients participated in telemedicine services and the association between sociodemographic factors and telemedicine participation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The adverse effects within the first seven days post-insertion were also reported. Methods: This retrospective cohort study considered data from all women initiating contraceptive implantation between June 2020 and August 2021 at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. Clients were offered the following two options for follow-up visits: in-person or communication via an online LINE® Official Account (LINE® OA), a free chat application widely used among the Thais. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between socio-demographic factors and telehealth usage. Results: In total, 574 of 947 (60.6%) clients participated in telemedicine follow-up services during the period considered. A significant association between telemedicine usage and the following were observed: the peak of second wave COVID-19 outbreak in Thailand, using the period preceding the second wave as a reference [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.47 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12–1.96)]; participants receiving governmental benefits for contraceptive implant payment (aOR: 3.23, 95% CI: 1.86–5.60), and timing of contraceptive implant(s) initiation, using interval insertion as a reference for which aORs of postpartum and immediate postpartum insertions were 0.62 (95% CI: 0.43–0.90) and 0.35 (95% CI: 0.24–0.52), respectively. Significant ecchymosis at the insertion site was observed in 13.1% of participants. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the significance of telemedicine during the COVID-19 epidemic, particularly in facilitating contraceptive implant initiation. Our data show a significant increase in the uptake and utilization of telemedicine during the pandemic's peak. The data also shows that during the period of Thailand's second COVID-19 epidemic, government benefits for contraceptive implant payment, and the timing of contraceptive implant initiation, are significantly associated with telemedicine use. This finding supports the continued use of telemedicine in healthcare, particularly for services like family planning, where remote follow-ups can provide safe, efficient, and timely care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background In 2014, the Thai government launched a free-of-charge long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) program for Thai female adolescents. However, its acceptance had not been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to describe contraceptive use among women of reproductive age before and after the program was implemented. Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out from the medical records of 9000 women of reproductive age, who attended the Family Planning Clinic at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital between 2009 and 2018. The Chi-square test was used to compare the contraceptive methods administered before and after the program was implemented, and binary logistic regression was used to find the factors associated with implant use after completion of the program. Results Depot medroxy progesterone acetate (DMPA) injection was the most popular contraceptive method used among 40.9% of the women. The rates of subdermal implant use were increased significantly after the program was implemented (2.3–9.3%, p

Banten Province is one of the provinces in Indonesia that is very affected by Covid-19 pandemic. The impact of them is the service of the Family Planning Program in the community. This study aims to determine the level of acceptor satisfaction with implant contraceptive services in Banten Province after Covid-19 pandemic. The research design was cross sectional. Data collection was carried out in May 2022 in Cilegon City and Serang City, Banten Province, by considering the large number of prospective implant contraceptive acceptors that will be served during the study of research. Data obtained through interviews using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis involves descriptive analysis and customer satisfaction index (CSI). The results showed that 7 out of 10 respondents were satisfied with the implant contraceptive installation service in Banten Province. CSI from the lowest reliability dimension compared to other dimensions, due to variables about family planning officers and service providers are considered not optimal in providing explanations related to the advantages and disadvantages of the use of implant contraception before service. Based on these findings, family planning officers and service providers need to provide the acceptors with comprehensive communication, information, and education before implant contraceptive services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify factors associated with the need for a deep etonogestrel contraceptive implant removal as compared to superficial removal. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing contraceptive implant removal from January 2014 to January 2023. We extracted key patient characteristics from electronic health record review and compared patients requiring deep removal versus routine superficial removal using Chi-squared, Fischer's exact, and Mann-Whitney U test. A multivariate logistic regression identified variables associated with increased odds of requiring a deep implant removal. The deep and superficial removal groups included 162 and 585 patients, respectively. Deep removal was associated with younger age at removal (median 25.0 vs 26.0 years, p = 0.005), lower body mass index (BMI) at insertion (median 23.2 kg/m2 vs 26.6 kg/m2, p = 0.024), BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 at removal (15.2% vs 7.0%, p = 0.007), weight gain during implant use (median 6.6 vs 1.8 kg, p ≤ 0.001), longer duration of use (median 36.0 vs 27.5 months, p < 0.001), implant exchange (37.3% vs 17.4%, p < 0.001), and insertion by non-physician (43.3% vs 19.3%, p < 0.001) or non-obstetrican and gynecologist (31.4% vs 11.8%, p < 0.001). Lower BMI at insertion (aOR 0.92, [95% CI 0.87–0.98]), weight gain during use (aOR 1.06 [95% CI 1.02–1.10]), and longer duration of use (aOR 1.05 [95% CI 1.02–1.07]) remained significantly associated with deep removal in regression analysis. We identified lower BMI at insertion, weight gain during use, and longer duration of use as independent factors associated with increased likelihood of needing a deep contraceptive implant removal. Clinicians should utilize proper technique when inserting contraceptive implants, especially in patients at risk for deep insertion, and ensure immediate referral to Centers of Experience for patients with non-palpable implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concomitant use of efavirenz-based antiretroviral therapy and a standard-dose etonogestrel contraceptive implant led to 82% lower etonogestrel exposure when compared with women who do not receive antiretroviral therapy. The clinical impact of this reduced exposure is supported by retrospective cohort evaluations that demonstrated higher rates of unintended pregnancies when contraceptive implants were combined with efavirenz. We hypothesized that placement of 2 etonogestrel implants in those taking efavirenz-based antiretroviral therapy could increase etonogestrel exposure and improve measures of contraceptive efficacy. This study compared the rate of ovulation and etonogestrel pharmacokinetics among women on efavirenz-based antiretroviral therapy who received 2 etonogestrel implants (136 mg; double implant group) in comparison with those who received 1 etonogestrel implant (68 mg; control group). This randomized, open-label study enrolled Ugandan women with regular menstrual periods who were receiving efavirenz-based antiretroviral therapy for the treatment of HIV. Participants were randomized 1:1 to the double implant or control group, and the etonogestrel implant(s) were placed in the same arm at enrollment. All participants used a copper intrauterine device to prevent pregnancy. Ovulation was evaluated by weekly serum progesterone concentrations measured over 4 consecutive weeks at months 3 (weeks 9–12), 6 (weeks 21–24), and 12 (weeks 45–48). Progesterone concentrations >3 ng/mL were interpreted as ovulation. The ovulation rate in each group was compared using Fisher's exact tests for each month and generalized estimating equations over 48 weeks. Plasma was collected at day 3 and weeks 1, 4, 12, 24, 36, and 48 after implant placement and analyzed using a validated liquid chromatography–triple quadrupole mass spectrometry method for etonogestrel. Etonogestrel concentrations were summarized as median (interquartile range) and compared between groups by geometric mean ratio with 90% confidence intervals. All participants (n=72) were cisgender Ugandan women with a median age of 31 years (interquartile range, 29–36), and 36 participants were enrolled in each study group. Two participants in the control group discontinued the trial; 1 at week 1 because of undetected pregnancy at entry and another at week 45 because of clinically significant depression. There were 47 ovulations over 104 person-months (45%) in 25 of 34 participants in the control group, and 2 ovulations over 108 person-months (2%) in 2 of 36 participants in the double implant group (month 3: 11 [31%] vs 0 [0%]; month 6: 17 [49%] vs 0 [0%]; month 12: 19 [56%] vs 2 [6%], respectively; all P <.001). The odds of ovulation were reduced by 97.7% (95% confidence interval, 90.1–99.5) in the double implant group over 48 weeks. At each time point, etonogestrel concentration was more than 2-fold higher in the double implant group than in the controls (geometric mean ratio, 2.30–2.83) with a geometric mean ratio of 2.83 (90% confidence interval, 1.89–3.35) at week 48. There were no differences in the adverse events between groups and no participant discontinued because of adverse events. Over 48 weeks of combined use, placing 2 etonogestrel implants suppressed ovulation and increased plasma etonogestrel exposure when compared with 1 etonogestrel implant among women on efavirenz-based antiretroviral therapy. Doubling the dose of etonogestrel during efavirenz-based antiretroviral therapy could improve contraceptive effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundUS unintended pregnancy rates remain high, and contraceptive providers are not universally trained to offer intrauterine devices and implants to women who wish to use these methods.ObjectiveWe sought to measure the impact of a provider training intervention on integration of intrauterine devices and implants into contraceptive care.Study designWe measured the impact of a continuing medical education-accredited provider training intervention on provider attitudes, knowledge, and practices in a cluster randomized trial in 40 US health centers from 2011 through 2013. Twenty clinics were randomly assigned to the intervention arm; 20 offered routine care. Clinic staff participated in baseline and 1-year surveys assessing intrauterine device and implant knowledge, attitudes, and practices. We used a difference-in-differences approach to compare changes that occurred in the intervention sites to changes in the control sites 1 year later. Prespecified outcome measures included: knowledge of patient eligibility for intrauterine devices and implants; attitudes about method safety; and counseling practices. We used multivariable regression with generalized estimating equations to account for clustering by clinic to examine intervention effects on provider outcomes 1 year later.ResultsOverall, we surveyed 576 clinic staff (314 intervention, 262 control) at baseline and/or 1-year follow-up. The change in proportion of providers who believed that the intrauterine device was safe was greater in intervention (60% at baseline to 76% at follow-up) than control sites (66% at both times) (adjusted odds ratio, 2.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-5.4). Likewise, for the implant, the proportion increased from 57-77% in intervention, compared to 61-65% in control sites (adjusted odds ratio, 2.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.44-4.59). The proportion of providers who believed they were experienced to counsel on intrauterine devices also increased in intervention (53-67%) and remained the same in control sites (60%) (adjusted odds ratio, 1.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-3.44), and for the implant increased more in intervention (41-62%) compared to control sites (48-50%) (adjusted odds ratio, 2.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.28-4.12). Knowledge scores of patient eligibility for intrauterine devices increased at intervention sites (from 0.77-0.86) 6% more over time compared to control sites (from 0.78-0.80) (adjusted coefficient, 0.058; 95% confidence interval, 0.003-0.113). Knowledge scores of eligibility for intrauterine device and implant use with common medical conditions increased 15% more in intervention (0.65-0.79) compared to control sites (0.67-0.66) (adjusted coefficient, 0.15; 95% confidence interval, 0.09-0.21). Routine discussion of intrauterine devices and implants by providers in intervention sites increased significantly, 71-87%, compared to in control sites, 76-82% (adjusted odds ratio, 1.97; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-3.80).ConclusionProfessional guidelines encourage intrauterine device and implant competency for all contraceptive care providers. Integrating these methods into routine care is important for access. This replicable training intervention translating evidence into care had a sustained impact on provider attitudes, knowledge, and counseling practices, demonstrating significant changes in clinical care a full year after the training intervention.

Contraceptive implant devices are relatively safe devices, but complications arise when implants become nonpalpable, and cannot be safely removed. In this case report, we describe the location of an implant in the subfascial plane of the upper arm, the diagnostic imaging findings we encountered during the workup, and the procedure necessary to remove it. We demonstrated that if the device is in close proximity to the fascia, it may be difficult to distinguish from the fascia on magnetic resonance imaging. Nonetheless, fluoroscopy and ultrasound easily distinguished the device from the surrounding tissue and allowed localization intraoperatively.

Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between time since contraceptive implant placement and retrieval outcomes in patients with implant migration into the pulmonary artery.Study Design: We reviewed all cases of pulmonary artery implant migration referred to the Marie Lannelongue hospital from 2015 through 2020. Using our hospital database, we collected patients' clinical data and removal information to assess the success of therapeutic management according to the delay between implant insertion and removal.Results: We identified 8 cases. Physicians located 2 in the upper and 6 in the lower lobe. Five patients had associated pulmonary symptoms, most commonly, chest pain and dyspnea. Physicians attempted an endovascular procedure in all cases with successful removal in 3 patients. In the 5 failures, angiography displayed arterial thrombosis distal to the implant. These patients had successful removal with an open mini-thoracotomy (< 5 cm). None of the 8 patients had serious post-operative complications. For the 3 patients with successful endovascular retrieval, 2 had early diagnosis (≤ 3 months).Conclusion: Endovascular approach with angiography should be performed as a first line treatment modality. Endothelialization and fibrosis within the vessel represent the principal limitations of endovascular strategy, but a retrieval could be attempted anyway with caution. In case of failure, an open approach is required.Implications Statement: When a migration into the pulmonary artery is diagnosed, health care professionals should refer patients as soon as possible to a tertiary center with a vascular surgery and/or interventional radiology and thoracic surgery departments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repeat pregnancy in the first year after a birth is common. Many of these conceptions are unintended and may be prevented by providing access to contraception in the immediate postpartum period. Midwives in the hospital setting could potentially play a greater role in improving postnatal contraception information and provision. We sought to implement and examine the success of a program training hospital-based midwives in immediate postpartum implant insertion. This mixed methods study in two hospitals in New South Wales sought to explore the feasibility, acceptability and sustainability of a program that provided competency-based implant insertion training for midwives. The study documented training completion, implant insertion numbers and experience, and conducted end of study interviews with midwives and stakeholders. Twenty-seven midwives undertook training and inserted 265 implants during the study period. Interviews with 13 midwives and 11 stakeholders concluded the program to be feasible and acceptable with midwives reporting high satisfaction from their involvement. All interviewees felt that midwives were well placed to insert implants, and reported that challenges around workload and opportunities for practice were generally manageable. It was recognised that sustainability of the program would require supportive policy and regular insertion opportunities. Midwives successfully upskilled in implant insertions and there was widespread support for the program with expectations it would be sustained. Provision of contraceptive information and implant insertion by midwives in the immediate postpartum period is likely to increase contraceptive choice and access for women and contribute to reducing rapid repeat pregnancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to conduct a meta-analysis of randomized trials comparing the immediate versus delayed provision of long-acting reversible contraceptives in postpartum subjects, focusing on short-interval pregnancies, utilization rates, and adverse events., Data Sources: Cochrane Central, Embase, PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched from inception up to December 19, 2023, without filters or language limitation., Study Eligibility Criteria: We selected randomized controlled trials assessing the immediate insertion of long-acting reversible contraceptives in women during postpartum period in comparison with the delayed provision., Study Appraisal and Synthesis Methods: We calculated relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals to analyze the primary outcome of utilization rates and secondary endpoints, including initiation rates, pregnancy, any breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, and serious adverse events. A random effects model was employed in the R software. Moreover, we assessed the risk of bias of selected RCTs using version 2 of the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool., Results: We included 24 randomized trials comprising 2,507 participants, of whom 1,293 (51.6%) were randomized to the immediate insertion. Postpartum women in the immediate group had lower risk of pregnancy (RR 0.16; 95% CI 0.04-0.71; P = 0.02) compared with delayed group, and higher rates of long-acting reversible contraceptives at 6 months of follow-up (RR 1.23; 95% CI 1.09-1.37; P < 0.01)., Conclusions: Inserting long-acting reversible contraceptives before hospital discharge was associated with a reduction in the risk of pregnancy, and increased rates of its utilization at 6 months of follow-up. This intervention may be an effective contraception strategy for postpartum women., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

IntroductionEnsuring adequate access to contraceptive implant removal services requires an understanding of potential clinical, logistical, and geographic challenges.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of 39 public health facilities in two districts of Senegal. To assess facility readiness, we reported the proportion of facilities meeting all minimum conditions for regular and difficult implant removals. We then describe characteristics of referral networks. Geographic access modeling was conducted in a geographic information system to estimate the proportion of women of reproductive age living within specific travel times of facilities ready for regular and difficult removals.Results72% of facilities met all conditions for regular removals, and 8% for difficult removals. In both cases, the main gaps related to equipment availability (79% of facilities had the minimum equipment for regular removals and 8% for difficult removals). 72% of facilities organized in three referral networks sent clients to other facilities for cases they could not manage. Of 11 receiving or single-network facilities, seven were ready for regular removals and one for difficult removals. Altogether, 36% of women in Dakar Centre and 99% of women in Kolda lived within two hours of a facility that was equipped to handle regular removals, compared to 15% and 69%, respectively, for difficult removals.ConclusionData such as those provided in this assessment are important to provide a realistic picture of the state of readiness of the health system and its ability to meet the inevitable demand for implant removals. Referral networks should be considered as an emerging strategy to avail sufficient capacity at the systems level, including for managing difficult removals. However, careful thought should be given to the location of facilities that are ready to receive cases in order to target upgrades.

Background: In 2014, the Thai government launched a free-of-charge long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) program for Thai female adolescents. However, its acceptance had not been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to describe contraceptive use among women of reproductive age before and after the program was implemented.Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out from the medical records of 9000 women of reproductive age, who attended the Family Planning Clinic at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital between 2009 and 2018. The Chi-square test was used to compare the contraceptive methods administered before and after the program was implemented, and binary logistic regression was used to find the factors associated with implant use after completion of the program.Results: Depot medroxy progesterone acetate (DMPA) injection was the most popular contraceptive method used among 40.9% of the women. The rates of subdermal implant use were increased significantly after the program was implemented (2.3-9.3%, p < 0.001). Implant use for adolescents aged less than 20 years increased from 2.6% to 56.4%, while DMPA was the most popular method used among adult women at 36.4%. Factors associated significantly with implant use after implement of the program included age of less than 20 years (aOR = 4.17 (CI: 1.84-9.44); p = 0.001) and nulliparity (aOR = 8.55 (CI: 3.77-19.39); p < 0.001).Conclusion: This study showed a significant increase in contraceptive implant use after the free-LARC program for adolescents had been applied.Statement Of Implications: Contraceptive implant is the most effective hormonal reversible contraception. Its use rate is low among all age groups, but increased clearly after the free-of-charge program was applied for adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The etonogestrel (ENG) implant is among the most effective reversible contraceptives. It can be a good option for patients with different chronic diseases due to no clinically significant effects on lipid metabolism or liver function. Some limitations in the use of this type of device are represented by social and psychiatric disorders, where the easy accessibility of the device becomes a negative feature. In these patients several cases of self-removal or damage to the device have been reported. We report the successful insertion of the Nexplanon® device into the scapular region in a young woman with a chronic psychiatric disorder. To verify the presence in the literature of other possible implantation sites, we performed a systematic review of the literature on Pubmed, Google scholar and Scopus from 2000 to 2021 using different combinations of the following terms: (Nexplanon), (contraceptive implant), (insertion). Two manuscripts with three cases were detected. Nexplanon® was implanted in the upper back. In all cases, there were no complications during the insertions and the follow up demonstrated no side effects with contraceptive efficacy. Our report and review is a further confirmation that the scapular region can become a valid insertion site, maintaining good efficacy and safety of the subcutaneous device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nexplanon is a single-rod contraceptive implant that should be placed subdermally at the inner side of the upper nondominant arm approximately 8–10 cm above the medial epicondyle of the humerus. Insertion guidelines were recently updated to place of insertion superficial of the triceps muscle to lower risk of insertion into vessels and nerves. If migration however occurs, it is most commonly around the insertion site. Migration above 2 cm is rarely reported [Ismail H, Mansour D, Singh M. Migration of implanon®. BMJ Sexual Reproduct Health. 2006;32:157–159]. This is a case report of a 24-year-old caucasian woman who presented with an impalpable Nexplanon implant that was, with the help of chest radiography and CT, located in a posterior basal subsegmental pulmonary artery in the left lower lobe of the lung. An attempt to remove the contraceptive implant by endovascular approach was unsuccessful. The implant remains in situ. Etonogestrel and oestradiol concentrations were followed over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveThe objective was to monitor the effectiveness of the etonogestrel implant clinical training program through a voluntary active monitoring program (AMP).Study designUS health care providers underwent mandatory training by the manufacturer on etonogestrel implant insertion, localization and removal. After training, health care providers could enroll in a voluntary AMP to provide outcome data to meet a postmarketing commitment of the manufacturer with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Those who volunteered completed and faxed forms to the manufacturer after implant insertion and removal detailing the procedure and device-related outcomes, including insertion-, localization- or removal-associated events. Experts reviewed outcome data quarterly, which the Sponsor then reported to the FDA.ResultsAmong 42,337 health care providers completing the training program, 4294 (10.1%) volunteered to participate in the AMP. The 26,198 forms submitted over 6.4 years included more insertion (n=20,497) forms than removal forms (n=5701). The volunteers reported 646 events on 566 (2.2%) forms related to insertion (n=197), localization (n=34), removal (n=357) and "other" (n=58). Clinically important events included noninsertion (n=4), serum etonogestrel positive but implant not found (n=1), and possible nerve (n=66) or vascular (n=5) injury. The reports did not include any insertion-, localization- or removal-associated hospitalizations. Eight (0.14%) removal reports described referral for surgical implant removal.ConclusionEvents related to insertion, localization or removal of the etonogestrel implant are uncommon among US providers who received mandatory training in the use of the implant.ImplicationsThis report presents results from the first mandatory US contraceptive training program. Health care providers volunteered to report information about etonogestrel implant insertion, localization and removal. Although the data do not demonstrate whether a mandatory program improves outcomes, they elucidate the utility and real-life experience that clinical training programs can provide.

Objectives: To evaluate the pain scores between using ethyl chloride spray and subcutaneous 1% lidocaine injection for relieving the pain from one-rod contraceptive implant removal.Materials and Methods: A total of 120 women who intended to remove the one-rod contraceptive implant were randomly assigned to receive ethyl chloride spray or 1% lidocaine injection before the procedure. Clinical characteristics including depth of implant, were collected. Pain during anesthetic administration, implant removal, and overall pain were evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS). Participant and procedure assistant satisfaction were assessed. The outcome evaluator was blinded from the anesthetic method.Results: All patient characteristics were similar between two groups. Pain during anesthetic administration and overall pain in the ethyl chloride spray group was significantly lower than the lidocaine group (median VAS 0 and 3; p < 0.001 and median VAS 1 and 2.9; p < 0.001, respectively). However, pain during the procedure in the ethyl chloride spray group was found to be significantly higher compared to the lidocaine group (median VAS 1 and 0; p = 0.001). Implant removal duration in the ethyl chloride spray group was significantly shorter than the lidocaine group. Participant and procedure assistant satisfaction in the ethyl chloride spray group was significantly higher than the lidocaine group.Conclusion: Using ethyl chloride spray was effective for relieving the pain during anesthetic administration and overall pain of one-rod contraceptive implant removal. But it was associated with higher pain score during the procedure.

To assess the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the etonogestrel (ENG) contraceptive implant when inserted at an alternative scapular site. We conducted a pilot study of healthy, reproductive-age females who underwent subdermal insertion of an ENG implant over the inferior edge of the nondominant scapula (scapular insertion). We measured serum ENG levels over 1 year at nine time points. Participants completed questionnaires on insertion site and bleeding side effects. We collected photographs and video recordings of insertion and removal techniques. We enrolled five participants (as prespecified), their median age was 26.0 years (range: 19.6–30.3), and median body mass index was 25.0 kg/m2 (range: 22.0–28.0). All serum ENG concentrations remained >90 pg/mL and were within the range of published data for arm insertion of ENG implant at all time points. The mean serum ENG level was 511.7 pg/mL (±168.2) at 1 week and 136.6 pg/mL (±21.8) at 12 months. During the first week after insertion, four of five participants noted insertion site pain with a median pain score of 2 (range 1–3), but all noted resolution by week two. Participants reported variable bleeding patterns consistent with standard ENG implant placement. At the end of the study, all participants reported satisfaction with the implant and would recommend scapular insertion to a friend. Scapular insertion of the ENG contraceptive implant has similar pharmacokinetics to arm insertion over 1 year of use. This novel, alternative site was well tolerated and demonstrated similar bleeding side effects to standard arm insertion. Subdermal scapular insertion of the etonogestrel contraceptive implant demonstrated similar pharmacokinetics to arm insertion over 1 year of use. Our pilot data support scapular insertion as an alternative site for ENG contraceptive implants, which could be beneficial for certain patient populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To describe unmet desire for long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) after the Zika Contraception Access Network (Z-CAN) in Puerto Rico during the 2016–2017 Zika outbreak. Z-CAN patients completed surveys about contraception experiences over a 3-year period. Of 1809 respondents, 3% never used LARC but reported wanting it since their initial visit. As reasons for not getting LARC, nearly 50% indicated a provider-related reason and 25% reported cost. Few Z-CAN patients who never used LARC had unmet desire. Provider training in contraception guidelines and strategies to address costs can expand access to the full range of reversible contraception. Three years after a short-term program provided reversible contraception in Puerto Rico, few respondents had never used but wanted a long-acting reversible contraception method. Nearly half reported provider-related reasons for not receiving long-acting reversible contraception, and 25% reported cost. Provider awareness of contraceptive guidance and method availability can support client-centered care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) access is essential for adolescents. • School-based health centers (SBHCs) bridge gaps in access to health care for youth. • We evaluate provision of LARCs (intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants) in SBHCs. • Six-month LARC continuation rate was 79.3 % and was similar for implants and IUDs. • SBHCs improve health care access when other health care systems are disrupted. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are effective contraceptive methods for adolescents. This study describes the initiation and continuation of LARC care to adolescents at school-based health centers (SBHCs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants received contraceptive care in New York City SBHCs from April 2021–June 2022. LARC initiation, LARC discontinuation, and total contraceptive visits were measured monthly. During the study period, the SBHCs provided 1,303 contraceptive visits, including 77 LARC initiations. Among LARC initiations, six-month continuation probability was 79.3 % (95 %CI: 69.0–91.1). SBHCs play an important role in providing adolescents contraceptive services, particularly LARC care, when other health care systems are disrupted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the variability of repeated measurements of serum etonogestrel concentration among contraceptive implant users.Study Design: We measured 3 consecutive serum etonogestrel concentrations, drawn weekly, in women using etonogestrel implants for 12 to 36 months. We used a repeated measures test to evaluate differences.Results: Among 20 participants, repeat serum etonogestrel concentrations did not differ from initial measurements (Friedman's test, p = 0.95). Mean serum etonogestrel concentrations had similar 95% confidence intervals at each time point: (134.09, 201.46), (135.08, 237.46), and (132.66, 192.45).Conclusion: We confirm that single-time measurements of serum etonogestrel concentration are acceptable pharmacokinetic outcomes for etonogestrel implant studies.Implications: Pharmacokinetic studies of the etonogestrel contraceptive implant assume single-time measurements are stable steady-state estimates based on small studies using older analysis methods. Our repeated measures study using modern liquid-chromatography mass-spectrometry analysis methods provides updated support for single-time pharmacokinetic measurements among etonogestrel implant users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To report on long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) experience and continuation rates in the Adolescent Medicine LARC Collaborative.Study Design: LARC insertion data (682 implants and 681 intrauterine devices [IUDs]) were prospectively collected from January 1, 2017, through December 31, 2019, across 3 Adolescent Medicine practices. Follow-up data through December 31, 2020, were included to ensure at least 1 year of follow-up of this cohort. Continuation rates were calculated at 1, 2, and 3 years, overall and by Adolescent Medicine site, as were descriptive statistics for LARC procedural complications and patient experience.Results: Implant and IUD insertion complications were uncommon and largely self-limited, with no IUD-related uterine perforations. Uterine bleeding was the most frequently reported concern at follow-up (35% implant, 25% IUD), and a common reason for early device removal (45% of implant removals, 32% of IUD removals). IUD malposition or expulsion occurred following 6% of all insertions. The pooled implant continuation rate at 1 year was 87% (range, 86%-91% across sites; P = .63), 66% at 2 years (range, 62%-84%; P = .01), and 42% at 3 years (range, 36%-60%; P = .004). The pooled IUD continuation rate at 1 year was 88% (range, 87%-90% across sites; P = .82), 77% at 2 years (range, 76%-78%; P = .94), and 60% at 3 years (range, 57%-62%; P = .88).Conclusions: LARC is successfully provided in Adolescent Medicine clinical settings, with continuation rates analogous to those of well-resourced clinical trials. Uterine bleeding after LARC insertion is common, making counselling imperative. Future analyses will assess whether the medical management of LARC-related nuisance bleeding improves continuation rates in our Adolescent Medicine patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare the continuation rates of contraceptive implant within 1 year of childbirth between adolescents receiving individual counseling through educational brochures and adolescents receiving video-based group counseling.Materials and Methods: This research was a prospective study of non-inferior trials in 272 postpartum adolescent mothers which compared between individual counseling and video-based group counseling. The video was created with introductory content about all methods of contraception including their advantages and side effects. The decision-making regarding the continuation of contraceptive implant usage would then be followed-up within 1 year. Criterion for non-inferiority was at a lower limit of < -7% for the 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The adolescent mothers in this study were at the average age of 17 years old, and most of them were living with their husbands. The follow-up found that the decision rates of continuing the use of contraceptive implants comparing between those who received video-based group counseling and individual counseling at 6 months were 77% and 72.8% (95% CI = -5.8, 14.2), at 1 year were 69.4% and 65.0% (95% CI = -6.4, 15.3), with the lower confidence limit being inside the non-inferiority limit of -7%. It can be interpreted that video-based group counseling was not less effective than individual counseling at 6 months and 1 year.Conclusion: Evidence of non-inferiority was noted comparing individual counseling and video-based group counseling. The systematic and complete provision of information would facilitate the decision-making of adolescents, hence increasing the continuation rate of contraceptive implant.

Background: As the number of implants and intrauterine devices (IUD) used in sub-Saharan Africa continues to grow, ensuring sufficient service capacity for removals is critical. This study describes public sector providers’ experiences with implant and IUD removals in two districts of Senegal. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with providers trained to insert implants and IUDs from all public facilities offering long-acting reversible contraceptives. Data collection elements included a survey with 55 providers and in-depth interviews (IDIs) with eight other providers. We performed descriptive analysis of survey responses and analyzed qualitative data thematically. Results: Nearly all providers surveyed were trained in both implant and IUD insertion and removal; 42% had received training in the last two years. Over 90% of providers felt confident inserting and removing implants and removing IUDs; 15% were not confident removing non-palpable implants and 27% IUDs with non-visible strings. Challenges causing providers to refer clients or postpone removals include lack of consumables (38%) for implants, and short duration of use for implants (35%) and IUDs (20%). Many providers reported counseling clients presenting for removals to keep their method (58% implant, 31% IUD), primarily to attempt managing side effects. Among providers with removal experience, 78% had ever received a removal client with a deeply-placed implant and 33% with an IUD with non-visible strings. Qualitative findings noted that providers were willing to remove implants and IUDs before their expiration date but first attempted treatment or counseling to manage side effects. Providers reported lack of equipment and supplies as challenges, and mixed success with difficult removals. Conclusions: Findings on provider capacity to perform insertions and regular removals are positive overall. Potential areas for improvement include availability of equipment and supplies, strengthening of counseling on side effects, and support for managing difficult removals.

Objectives: To determine the safety of etonogestrel contraceptive implant use among reproductive-age women who are solid organ transplant recipients.Study Design: We conducted a retrospective cohort study with matching of reproductive-age women (14-45 years) who were solid organ transplant recipients and received care at a tertiary medical center in Denver, Colorado between 2011 and 2019. We identified cases who used an etonogestrel contraceptive implant post-transplant and then matched controls (no hormonal contraceptive use) in a 1:1 ratio according to age, transplant type, and institution. We compared pregnancy patterns, post-transplant infections, immunosuppressant therapy adjustments, and graft complications between cases and controls. We also evaluated implant-related side effect profiles and continuation rates among cases only.Results: We identified 24 cases and 24 matched controls. When compared to age and transplant organ-matched controls, contraceptive implant users were not at increased risk for adverse transplant-related outcomes. Graft rejection was the most common transplant-related complication in both groups (n = 11, 45.8% cases; n = 10, 41.7% controls). Additionally, outcomes concerning pregnancies, infections and immunosuppressant therapy changes showed no statistically significant difference between either group.Conclusions: This study provides the first data that the etonogestrel contraceptive implant is likely a safe contraceptive option for reproductive-age women who are solid organ transplant recipients. Given the solid organ transplant recommendations to avoid pregnancy during the first 1 to 2 years post-transplant, healthcare providers should continue to counsel solid organ transplant recipients at risk of pregnancy on the etonogestrel contraceptive implant as an effective and safe method of pregnancy prevention.Implications: Reproductive age women who are solid organ transplant recipients face additional health risks with unintended pregnancies. The etonogestrel contraceptive implant remains a safe and effective method of contraception for this specific population, with no increase in graft-related complications among contraceptive implant users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Intervention trials of structured contraceptive counseling have proved to increase use of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) and decrease numbers of unintended pregnancies. However, these interventions have not been evaluated from a user perspective. This study aimed to evaluate both healthcare providers' and participants' satisfaction with an intervention used in a large trial in Sweden.Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study on the intervention group from a cluster randomized trial conducted at 28 clinics in Stockholm, Sweden. Clinics were randomized (1:1 allocation ratio) to provide either structured contraceptive counseling (intervention) or standard contraceptive counseling (control). The intervention consisted of four parts; an educational video to be seen by the participant prior to contraceptive counseling, key questions to be asked by the healthcare provider, an effectiveness chart, and a box of contraceptive models. Eligible participants were 18 years or older, sexually active without a wish to conceive, and with the main purpose of contraceptive use being pregnancy prevention. Healthcare providers completed an electronic semi-structured survey to evaluate the intervention. This study analyses provider and participant satisfaction with the counseling material used in the intervention and if the intervention was found to be supportive in contraceptive counseling and contraceptive choice.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03269357).Results: Fourteen intervention clinics enrolled 658 participants from September 2017 to May 2019. Response rate among providers was 88.0% (55/62) and among participants 97.1% (639/658). Providers found the intervention to be supportive in their counseling. Each separate part of the intervention package received high ratings from both providers and participants. Participants found the educational video and the effectiveness chart to be more helpful than the box of contraceptive models in their contraceptive choice. Providers reported the time taken to complete the intervention outside the study to be time-neutral to standard counseling, and most providers wished to continue to use all parts of the intervention package.Conclusions: The intervention of structured contraceptive counseling had high provider and participant satisfaction. The structured counseling package could be used in several clinical settings to improve quality in contraceptive counseling and to enhance informed decision making about use of contraceptive methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Despite targeted interventions to improve contraceptive implant acceptability and uptake in rural Papua New Guinea (PNG), ongoing use of this method remains limited. Previous literature has suggested community attitudes and intrinsic factors within the decision-making process may be negatively impacting on implant uptake, however these elements have not previously been studied in detail in this context. We set out to explore community attitudes towards the contraceptive implant and the pathways to decision making around implant use in a rural community on Karkar Island, PNG. Methods We conducted 10 focus-group (FGD) and 23 in-depth interviews (IDI) using semi-structured topic guides. Key sampling characteristics included age, exposure or non-exposure to implants, marital status, education and willingness to participate in discussion. Four FGDs were held with women, four with men and two with mixed gender. IDIs were carried out with five women (current implant users, former implant users, implant never users), five men, five religious leaders (Catholic and non-Catholic), four village leaders and four health workers. Two in-depth interviews (four participants) were analysed as dyads and the remaining participant responses were analysed individually. Results Men were supportive of their wives using family planning but there was a community-wide lack of familiarity about the contraceptive implant which influenced its low uptake. Men perceived family planning to be ‘women’s business’ but remained strongly influential in the decision making processes around method use. Young men were more receptive to biomedical information than older men and had a greater tendency towards wanting to use implants. Older men preferred to be guided by prominent community members for decisions concerning implants whilst young men were more likely to engage with health services directly. Conclusions In communities where a couple’s decision to use the contraceptive implant is strongly coloured by gendered roles and social perceptions, having a detailed understanding of the relational dynamics affecting the decision-making unit is useful in targeting future healthcare interventions. Engaging groups who are reluctant to connect with health information, as well as those who are most influential in the decision making process, will have the greatest impact on increasing implant acceptability and uptake.

Background: Some individuals who receive long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) face barriers to discontinuation. The inability to discontinue a contraceptive method when desired negatively impacts a person's reproductive autonomy. Persons impacted by social determinants of health (SDH) may be disproportionately affected. The objective of this study is to evaluate the association of SDH with patient-reported difficult LARC discontinuation. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of data from the 2017-2019 cycle of the National Survey of Family Growth was conducted. The main outcome was patient-reported difficulty discontinuing a LARC method (intrauterine device or implant) in the last 10 years. Descriptive statistics were used to identify demographic characteristics and SDH domains. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate associations across SDH domains with difficult LARC removal. Results: A total of 754 respondents reported wanting to have their LARC removed, and 105 (11%) reported difficulty discontinuing LARC methods. One-third of respondents experienced one or more SDH, notably food insecurity (26%) or transportation barriers (30%). After adjusting for age, race, education, geographic location, parity, and body mass index (BMI), persons with one or more SDH had an increased adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for difficultly discontinuing LARCs compared with respondents without any SDH (2.11; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21, 3.69). Transportation barriers demonstrated the largest aOR of 2.90 (95% CI: 1.07, 7.87). Conclusions: SDH are associated with challenges to LARC discontinuation. SDH are unique risk factors that can impact one's entire contraceptive experience. A nuanced discussion of SDH at the time of contraceptive counseling may be a critical step in addressing the intersectionality of method selection and reproductive agency.

Objective: To evaluate how diet, exercise, and substance use influence serum etonogestrel concentrations among contraceptive implant users., Study Design: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of healthy, reproductive-age etonogestrel implant users. We assessed participants' current diet, exercise, and substance (alcohol, tobacco, marijuana) use habits while simultaneously measuring serum etonogestrel concentrations. We used linear modeling to test for associations between survey responses and etonogestrel concentrations., Results: Among 115 participants, exercise habits and substance use had no significant associations with etonogestrel concentrations, while increased caloric intake demonstrated inconsistent associations., Conclusion: The lifestyle factors of diet, exercise, and substance use do not influence steady-state pharmacokinetics among contraceptive implant users., Clinical Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03092037., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To evaluate medication abortion (MAB) outcomes for participants receiving intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) injections or subdermal etonogestrel implants concurrently with mifepristone compared to those who did not in a real-world setting., Study Design: This retrospective cohort study included MAB patients from one Planned Parenthood health center in St. Paul, MN, between 2017 and 2019. We abstracted electronic health records and compared sociodemographic variables, clinical information, and treatment failure rates (primary outcome) between study groups with logistic regression (generating odds ratios [OR] and 95% confidence intervals [CI])., Results: Among 7296 MAB participants, 224 (3.1%) received DMPA injections and 309 (4.2%) received etonogestrel implants concurrently with mifepristone; 141 (62.9%) and 200 (64.7%) completed follow-up respectively. From a random sample of 1000, 990 comparison participants met inclusion criteria; 704 (71.1%) completed follow-up. Fourteen (9.9%) DMPA participants (aOR 4.26, 95% CI 1.87-9.68, p < 0.001) and 6 (3.0%) etonogestrel implant participants (aOR 1.38, 95% CI 0.48-3.55, p = 0.522) required additional treatment to empty the uterus and/or had an ongoing pregnancy, each contrasted with 15 (2.1%) comparison patients (models adjusted for gestational duration, patient age, parity, and race)., Conclusion: Although our study is limited by high rates of loss to follow-up, our analysis suggests that concurrent administration of DMPA with mifepristone may decrease MAB efficacy, while etonogestrel implant placement does not appear to alter MAB outcomes. These findings are overall consistent with prior literature and inform post-MAB contraception counseling., Implications: This retrospective cohort study reinforces prior randomized controlled trial findings that concurrent depot medroxyprogesterone acetate injection with mifepristone administration may decrease medication abortion efficacy. Conversely, concurrent etonogestrel contraceptive implant placement with mifepristone administration does not appear to decrease medication abortion efficacy. These findings inform post-abortion contraception counseling., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The objective of this analysis was to present our secondary outcomes (reach, adoption, implementation, maintenance domains) of a prospective trial to test the efficacy of a home-based intervention to increase postpartum contraceptive uptake.Study Design: We executed a cluster-randomized trial to determine if provision of contraception in the home setting increased uptake of postpartum methods. We collected secondary outcomes on how our implementation strategies of revising professional roles and changing service sites performed in terms of the number of people our study enrolled of all women eligible (reach), how it was accepted by the providers (adoption), what methods were used to conduct the study (implementation), and preliminary results on whether or not the intervention will be continued (maintenance). We conducted a survey and focus group discussion to assess adoption and implementation among intervention nurse staff, and a survey in a convenience sample of patients in the intervention arm to assess acceptability.Results: Our primary outcome of effectiveness has been published; implant uptake was 25% in the intervention cohort compared to 3% in the control clusters. Our reach was 89%, as 208 of the 234 eligible women consented to participate. Among a convenience sample of N = 25 patients completing a survey on the intervention 12 months after enrollment, ≥ 68% (n = 17 of 25) felt the intervention was acceptable. From the nursing perspective (N = 7), only a minority of nurses felt the intervention was complicated (n = 1, 17%), and (n = 7, 100%) reported the intervention was acceptable.Conclusions: Our intervention achieved good reach (89% of the eligible population) and was acceptable to the majority of patients and providers. Practitioners interested in achieving greater reach of contraceptive interventions in their communities may consider changing service sites to convenience their clients, as our results suggest this approach was acceptable.Implications: The unique contribution of this paper is in its success with training nurses to insert contraceptive implants during postpartum home visits, which resulted in increased uptake of the contraceptive implant where access to the device was previously limited. Given the trial's successful feasibility and acceptability to both nurses and patients, perhaps this intervention has the potential to be adapted and scaled to other settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contraceptive implant Implanon-NXT® provides long-acting, highly effective, and reversible contraception. Migration and embolization of the implant are rare but can cause potentially serious complications. We describe the case of a migrated Implanon-NXT® implant in a 35-year-old woman who requested extraction due to abnormal uterine bleeding and pain in the arm carrying the implant. The device was neither palpable at the insertion site, nor was it localized by ultrasound. Radiographic examination and Computed Tomography (CT) scan revealed it had migrated to the axilla and was in close proximity to neurovascular structures. Extraction was performed under general anesthetic and radiographic guidance.