Safety of the etonogestrel-releasing implant during the immediate postpartum period: a pilot study.

Background: The effects of etonogestrel (ETG)-releasing contraceptive implant during the immediate postpartum period on maternal safety are unknown.

Study Design: Forty healthy women exclusively breastfeeding were randomized to receive either ETG-releasing implant 24-48 h after delivery (n=20) or depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA group; n=20) at the sixth week postpartum. We measured blood pressure, maternal and neonatal weight, body mass index (BMI; kg/m(2)), waist circumference (WC), complete blood count, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha), lipid profile, fasting serum glucose and maintenance of exclusive lactation up to the 12th week postpartum.

[Postpartum contraception].

Adequate postpartum contraception is recommended in order to prevent mother and infant morbidity. The mother-infant benefits of lactation are well recognized, and exclusive, regular and frequent breastfeeding is an effective contraceptive method for amenorrheic patients. However, the resumption of fertility varies among women and access to health services is not guaranteed in many regions of the world.

Hormonal assessment of women submitted to tubal ligation.

Sixteen fertile women aged 30-35 years with regular menstruations were studied before and 6 months after tubal ligation (TL). The diagnosis of ovulation was based on clinical ultrasonographic and hormonal parameters [follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), E2 and P4]. The menstrual pattern did not vary before and after surgery.