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Meta-Analysis
. 2007 Jul 18;2007(3):CD001326.
doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001326.pub2.

Subdermal implantable contraceptives versus other forms of reversible contraceptives or other implants as effective methods of preventing pregnancy

J Power  1 , R French, F Cowan
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Subdermal implantable contraceptives versus other forms of reversible contraceptives or other implants as effective methods of preventing pregnancy

J Power et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. .

Abstract

Background: Implantable methods of contraception offer long-acting reversible contraception. Their uptake rate in comparison to other contraceptive methods, particularly in developed countries, has historically been low.

Objectives: To assess the contraceptive effectiveness, tolerability and acceptability of subdermal implants in comparison to other reversible contraceptive methods.

Search strategy: Literature were identified through database searches, reference lists and individuals/organisations working in the contraceptive field.

Selection criteria: All randomised and controlled trials comparing subdermal implants with other forms of reversible contraceptives and reporting on pre-determined outcomes in women of reproductive years. Primary outcomes were pregnancy and continuation.

Data collection and analysis: Quality assessment of studies and data extraction were completed independently by two reviewers. A quality checklist was designed to identify general methodological and contraceptive specific factors. Study authors and pharmaceutical companies were contacted to provide additional data.Data were collected on pregnancy rates, continuation, side effects and adverse events.

Main results: All nine identified trials compared different types of contraceptive implant. Eight, involving 1578 women, compared Implanon with Norplant , and one, involving 1198 women, compared Jadelle with Norplant. There was no difference between Implanon and Norplant for contraceptive effectiveness rates or continuation over 4 years. Both were highly effective methods of contraception with no pregnancies occurring in any of the trials during 26,972 and 28,108 women months of follow up respectively. The most common side-effect with Implanon and Norplant was changes in bleeding pattern. The pattern with Implanon was initially more variable, bleeding with both implants became less frequent with duration of use. After two years use the amenorrhoea rate was significantly higher with Implanon. The trials reported no significant difference in hormonal side-effects or adverse events. Implanon was significantly quicker to insert and remove than Norplant. There was no difference in contraceptive effectiveness and in continuation rates between Jadelle and Norplant. Jadelle was significantly quicker to remove than Norplant.

Authors' conclusions: Implanon, Norplant and Jadelle are highly effective contraceptive methods. No significant differences were found in contraceptive effectiveness or continuation. The most common side-effect with all implants was unpredictable vaginal bleeding. Time taken for removal of Implanon and Jadelle was less than that for Norplant.Although this systematic review was unable to provide a definitive answer on relative effectiveness, tolerability and acceptability of contraceptive implants in comparison to other contraceptive methods, it has raised issues around the conduct of contraceptive research.

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Conflict of interest statement

None known.

Figures

1
1
% of women, across all included trials, with amenorrhoea at each reference period
2
2
% of women, across all included trials, with infrequent bleeding at each reference period
3
3
% of women, across all included trials, with frequent bleeding at each reference period
4
4
% of women, across all included trials, with prolonged bleeding at each reference period
1.1
1.1. Analysis
Comparison 1 Implanon vs Norplant, Outcome 1 Amenorrhoea at end of 1st shifted ref period.
1.2
1.2. Analysis
Comparison 1 Implanon vs Norplant, Outcome 2 Amenorrhoea at end of 4th ref period.
1.3
1.3. Analysis
Comparison 1 Implanon vs Norplant, Outcome 3 Amenorrhoea at end of ref period 8.
1.4
1.4. Analysis
Comparison 1 Implanon vs Norplant, Outcome 4 Infrequent bleeding at end 1st shifted ref period.
1.5
1.5. Analysis
Comparison 1 Implanon vs Norplant, Outcome 5 Infrequent bleeding at end of 4th ref period.
1.6
1.6. Analysis
Comparison 1 Implanon vs Norplant, Outcome 6 Infrequent bleeding at end of 8th ref period.
1.7
1.7. Analysis
Comparison 1 Implanon vs Norplant, Outcome 7 Frequent bleeding at end of 1st shifted ref period.
1.8
1.8. Analysis
Comparison 1 Implanon vs Norplant, Outcome 8 Frequent bleeding at end 4th ref period.
1.9
1.9. Analysis
Comparison 1 Implanon vs Norplant, Outcome 9 Frequent bleeding at end 8th ref period.
1.10
1.10. Analysis
Comparison 1 Implanon vs Norplant, Outcome 10 Prolonged bleeding at end 1st shifted ref period.
1.11
1.11. Analysis
Comparison 1 Implanon vs Norplant, Outcome 11 Prolonged bleeding at end 4th ref period.
1.12
1.12. Analysis
Comparison 1 Implanon vs Norplant, Outcome 12 Prolonged bleeding at end 8th ref period.
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  • doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001326

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References

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