Bleeding patterns of adolescents using a combination contraceptive injection for 1 year.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

This prospective observational study evaluated the bleeding patterns of adolescents receiving a monthly injectable contraceptive containing norethisterone enanthate 50 mg plus estradiol valerate 5 mg.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The study enrolled 73 volunteers aged between 14 and 19 years; of these patients, 38 (52%) recorded their menstrual cycles during 1 year.

RESULTS:

After 1 year of using the contraceptive, most of the 38 women (71.1%) had adequate menstrual patterns (two to four bleeding episodes; none lasting 10 days or longer; with a range of bleeding-free intervals not exceeding 17 days), 23.7% reported prolonged bleeding episodes, 2.6% had irregular bleeding and 2.6% had amenorrhea. Only 1 of the 38 teenagers is known to have discontinued the method due to bleeding. Among these 38 adolescents, dissatisfaction with bleeding patterns was not a frequent reason given for discontinuation of the monthly injectable contraceptive.

• Authors: Maria Silvia Bortolotti de Mello Jacobucci, Cristina Aparecida Falbo Guazzelli, Márcia Barbieri, Fabio Fernando Araújo, Antonio Fernandes Moron
• Journal: Contraception (Contraception) Vol. 73 Issue 6 Pg. 594-7 (Jun 2006) ISSN: 0010-7824 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16730490 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Contraceptive Agents, Female
• Drug Combinations
• Estradiol
• norethindrone enanthate
• Norethindrone

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Contraceptive Agents, Female (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Drug Combinations
• Estradiol (administration & dosage, analogs & derivatives)
• Female
• Humans
• Injections, Intramuscular
• Menstruation (drug effects)
• Menstruation Disturbances (chemically induced)
• Norethindrone (administration & dosage, analogs & derivatives)
• Patient Compliance
• Prospective Studies