BACKGROUND Nexplanon is a pregnancy-prevention device that is both safe and reliable. It is a novel reversible long-term contraceptive technique. It's a modern long-acting contraceptive device with a subcutaneous implant that releases etonogestrel (ENG). The main objective of this research was to determine the distribution, tolerability, and adverse reactions of Nexplanon among females who used it in Baghdad and find any relationship between these side effects and the acceptability of the device among contraceptive users. METHODS This study was done via the participation of 80 women who were using Nexplanon at the time of study or had recently removed the implant; the data was obtained from a direct interview and medical records. RESULTS The total number of women enrolled for the study was 80. The mean age of contributors was 33.24 (± 2.69) years. None of the participants was nulliparous; 15 % had two children, 85 % had three or more children. Of the participants, 26.25 % and 65 % had secondary and higher education degrees respectively, while only 7 % had primary education and none of the participants had any education. 6.25 % were smokers, only 28.75 % had irregular cycle and the remaining percentage had a regular one. 57 (71.25 %) of them underwent adverse events while using the contraceptive implant, the most common one was bleeding disorders most likely in the form of light intermittent bleeding. 69 (86.25 %) from those only 18 (26.08 %) removed implant because of this irritant bleeding, the next common adverse event was headache 44 (55 %), 8 (18.18 %) of them removed the implant because of headache, 41 (51.25 %) underwent variable mood swing changes, 36 (45 %) suffered from weight gain with use of the implant, 33 (41.25 %) nausea and bowel habits changes, androgenic effects presented in 19 (23.75 %) and 10 (12.5 %) in the form of acne and hirsutism, respectively. 3 (10.34 %) of them removed the device as they could not cope with this complication, only 6 (7.5 %) suffered from low sexual desire. CONCLUSIONS Nexplanon can be a suitable alternative for women who have been adequately informed about long-term contraception but bleeding disturbances and cycle durations (> 8 days) are also key indicators for early removal. The process of consulting the patient and giving them the appropriate educational advice on this subject should be a priority before using the implant, in addition to establishing special induction and educational programs. KEY WORDS Nexplanon, Contraception Method Contraception Method, A Subcutaneous Implant and Etonogestrel.
The Prevalence and Side Effect of Nexplanon in Baghdad
