Endometrial histopathology, ovarian changes and bleeding patterns among users of long-acting progestin-only contraceptives in Egypt
Laban, M.; Abd Alhamid, M.; Ibrahim, E.A.; Elyan, A.; Ibrahim, A.
European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care the Official Journal of the European Society of Contraception 17(6): 451-457
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 1473-0782 PMID: 23113539 DOI: 10.3109/13625187.2012.726663Document Number: 372113
To evaluate endometrial and ovarian effects, and bleeding patterns, among users of Depo-Provera(®), Norplant(®), and Implanon(®). One-hundred and fifty women, who had been using one of these long-acting progestin-only contraceptives (LAPCs) for at least the previous six months, with fifty in each of the groups, were assessed. All results are mentioned in the following sequence: (1) Depo-Provera(®), (2) Norplant(®), and (3) Implanon(®). Normal bleeding was reported by 0%, 52%, and 8%; amenorrhoea or infrequent bleeding by 68%, 24%, and 72%; and abnormal bleeding by 32%, 24%, and 20%, respectively (p < 0.001). Histological evaluation revealed an atrophic endometrium in 84%, 32%, and 28%, respectively (p < 0.0001); a progestin effect in 16%, 28%, and 62%, respectively (p < 0.0001), and a proliferative pattern in 0%, 40%, and 10%, respectively (p < 0.0001). Endometrial thickness was 3 ± 0.41 mm, 3.62 ± 0.65 mm, and 5.2 ± 0.84 mm, respectively (p < 0.0001). Follicular growth in the ovaries was observed at ultrasound in 12%, 40%, and 72%, respectively (p < 0.001). Bleeding patterns, endometrial thickness, ovarian activity, and endometrial histology among Egyptian users of LAPCs differed significantly depending on the nature of the contraceptive.