Post-abortion long-acting reversible contraception in a sample of Italian women: intrauterine device versus subdermal implant

Abstract

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) represent an especially effective kind of post-abortion contraception. We aimed at assessing satisfaction, discontinuation, efficacy, and tolerability associated with either levonorgestrel intrauterine device (L-IUCD), the copper intrauterine device (C-IUCD) and implant (IMP) after termination of pregnancy (TOP). We recorded baseline data about the patients and performed phone surveys at 3, 6 and 12?months after insertion to assess the bleeding profile. Furthermore, women were inquired about possible adverse events, satisfaction, and discontinuation at 12?months after insertion. LARC continuers (>12?months after TOP) were divided into three groups: L-IUCD (n?=?47), C-IUCD (n?=?6) and IMP (n?=?36). Satisfaction rates among L-IUCD users were higher than among IMP users (100% vs. 72.2%, p?