Implanon use in Thai women above the age of 35 years

A prospective study of Implanon implant use in women older than 35 was conducted in Bangkok, Thailand. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the menstrual pattern and side effects of Implanon in 51 women followed for 6 months. Their mean age was 39.7 years. Most acceptors had completed primary school. No accidental pregnancies occurred in 6 months of use. The most common menstrual pattern in these acceptors was irregular bleeding followed by amenorrhea. The major side effect was irregular bleeding. There was no significant change in body weight, body mass index and diastolic blood pressure during the 6-month follow-up period, but systolic blood pressure declined. Implanon implant use is a safe and effective contraceptive method and should become another choice for contraception in women aged above 35 years who have contraindications for oral contraceptive use. 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.