Administration of the etonogestrel contraceptive implant on the day of mifepristone for medical abortion: a pilot study

Abstract

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.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01356927.

Keywords: First-trimester abortion; Long-acting reversible contraception.