Evaluation of the contraceptive efficacy, compliance, and satisfaction with the transdermal contraceptive patch system Evra: a comparison between adolescent and adult users.

OBJECTIVE

Aim of the study was to evaluate Evra use in adolescents and compare the outcome with adult users.

METHODS

A total of 80 adolescents and 178 adults were followed-up at 1-, 3-, and 6-month interval with their compliance, satisfaction, cycle control, and adverse events being assessed.

RESULTS

Compliance rate was generally higher among adult users (p < 0.05). Partial and complete patch detachment were both significantly higher among adolescents (p < 0.05). Self-reported side effects did not differ between both groups and declined over the time. Overall satisfaction was high among most subjects. Compared with previous contraception, most subjects reported better satisfaction with Evra (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This investigation observed an overall positive impression of Evra with good compliance among adolescent and adult users. This might be an effect of the convenience of the weekly dosing schedule. Compliance is of utmost importance in teenagers as this age group is at highest risk of unintended pregnancy.