Reasons for premature removal of progestogen implant among women in a community in Pretoria

Abstract

Background: Implanon is widely used in South Africa and around the world. However, a significant number of users discontinue it prematurely. The current study aims to explore the reasons for women’s early removal of the progestogen implant, known as Implanon, in a Pretoria community.

Methods: This was a qualitative study applying a descriptive phenomenological design, with nine one-on-one interviews done at Temba Community Health Centre among women who had their Implanon implants removed sooner than the intended length of time.

Results: Four major themes emerged from the data collection: reasons for choosing Implanon, side effects of Implanon, the social impact of Implanon and public attitudes towards Implanon. These four themes were further explored through 13 subthemes.

Conclusion: The participants acknowledged and valued the benefits of Implanon, but they also encountered undesirable side effects such headaches, bleeding, breast pain and enlargement, decreased libido, and mood swings. The primary causes of the implant’s early removal were these side effects, among which bleeding was the most frequently reported problem.

Contribution: Implanon-induced bleeding has an impact on the economics of households and the sexual lives of women, as it requires the purchasing of sanitary products and other medications.