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Abstract

Contraceptive efficacy and clinical performance of Nestorone implants in postpartum women (HTML) 
Massai,Rebeca; Diaz,Soledad; Quintero,E.; Reyes,Veronica; Herreros,C.; Zepeda,Ana; Croxatto,Horacio B.; Moo-Young,Alfred J.
Contraception 64(6): 369-376
Publication date: 2001

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The objective of this study was to evaluate the contraceptive efficacy and clinical performance of a Nestorone subdermal implant (NES) in the postpartum period. NES (n = 100) and Copper T intrauterine device (T-Cu; n = 100) acceptors initiated contraception at 8 weeks postpartum and were followed at monthly intervals during the first year and at 3-month intervals thereafter. Pregnancy rates, breastfeeding performance, infant growth, bleeding pattern, and side effects were assessed. Blood and milk NES concentration were measured.No pregnancy occurred in 2195 and 2145 woman-months of NES implant and T-Cu use, respectively. No effect of NES on lactation and infant growth and no serious adverse events were observed. Lactational amenorrhea was significantly longer in NES users (353 ± 20 days) than in T-Cu users (201 ± 11 days). More NES users (55.8%) experienced prolonged bleedings than did T-Cu users (36.2%). Concentrations of NES in breast milk ranged between 54-135 pmol/liter. The Nestorone implant is a highly effective contraceptive, safe for breastfed infants because the steroid is inactive by the oral route.

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