Discontinuation time and associated factors to discontinuation of long term contraceptive use at St. Paul's hospital millennium medical college and its satellite health centers
Abstract
Background: Long acting Family Planning(LAFP) methods such as Implants, despite of meet their needs, can dramatically improve the health and well-being of women, families, and communities. Despite their advantages, LARCs have key drawbacks. The use of synthetic progesterone, progestin, in all LARCs is associated with breast pain, weight gain, bloating, and acne or greasy skin. Changes in menstruation can also occur with LARCs. A recent summary of 18 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data found that 20 percent to 50 percent of users of reversible modern methods discontinued their method during the first 12 months of use. Often, discontinuation is due to reasons other than to become pregnant: Only 3 percent to 8 percent of users in the above analysis discontinued in order to become pregnant.
Method: Facility based time bound prospective cross sectional study
Result: We found that 35% of the total enrolled cases have discontinued there long acting method before 12months; reason for discontinuation was diverse but the most common one was need of pregnancy which accounted for 42.6% of all cases where only 22% discontinued in need of pregnancy for those who has discontinued before 12months. 57.4% cases have discontinued for different types of side effects most common one being heavy and irregular vaginal bleeding. From all cases asked for their plan after discontinuation of the method and 43% replied that they want become pregnant.
Conclusion: The findings suggest a need for training to the providers to prevent early discontinuation of LAFPM among clients who came for LAC use by addressing the health concerns through proper counseling.