Monthly injectable contraceptive use by adolescents in Brazil: evaluation of clinical aspects.

PURPOSE

This prospective noncomparative observational study evaluated the clinical symptoms, body weight and blood pressure of 38 adolescents receiving a monthly injectable contraceptive containing estradiol valerate 5 mg and norethisterone 50 mg.

METHODS

The volunteers, aged 16-19 years, were examined monthly during 1 year and asked about the following symptoms at baseline: dysmenorrhea, headache, breast tenderness, leg pain and irritability.

RESULTS

There was a constant and gradual decline in each of the above symptoms over time, and there was a statistically significant difference between symptoms reported at the first visit and subsequent appointments. Body weight and blood pressure did not change significantly during the 1-year period. No pregnancies were observed.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that monthly injectable contraception with estradiol valerate 5 mg/norethisterone 50 mg represents a highly effective and well-tolerated contraceptive for teens.