Adverse effects associated with contraceptive implants: Incidence, prevention and management

Abstract

Contraceptive implants are increasingly being used for fertility regulation all over the world. Reversible long-term use is their most appealing feature for many users. They have the practical advantage of overcoming the risks of user failure and low continuation rates associated with other methods that require continuous attention or motivation. Disruption of menstruation, complications of insertion and removal, and infection at implant site, constitute the majority of adverse effects associated with contraceptive implants. This article reviews these various common adverse effects associated with contraceptive implants and their possible management and prevention. In addition, we also discuss very rare events, like psychiatric disorders, pseudotumor cerebri, thrombotic, thrombocytopenic purpura and thrombocytopenia, that have been reported by some researchers. Further surveillance and research is necessary to determine if these rare adverse events are causally related to contraceptive implants. Until such a time, providers of contraceptive implants should be more selective in prescribing the contraceptive implants, especially in women with a history of and/or risk factors for stroke, cerebral and coronary heart disease, thrombocytopenia and pseudotumor cerebri.