BMJ 1994;308:1570 (11 June)

Letters

Long acting methods of contraception

EDITOR, - Who could disagree with Lawrence Mascarenhas's statement that long acting contraceptive methods have much to offer?1 One of these, the six capsule subdermal implant releasing levonorgestrel, was introduced to Britain last autumn. It seemed to be immediately disowned by all agencies that fund services. This was unfortunate. It is a highly effective, safe, and readily reversible long term method of contraception and could have a real impact on reducing unwanted pregnancies. Continuation rates are acceptable compared with those for oral contraception, and "user error" is not a feature. This is crucially important. Finally, although the implant is more expensive than most other methods, there should not be serious doubt about its cost effectiveness with appropriate use.

Doctors should therefore be in a position to provide and promote the implant. More importantly. it should be easily accessible to women. Yet, as Mascarenhas points out, "wranglings" stand in the way . . . [Full text of this article]


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Relevant Article

Long acting methods of contraception
L Mascarenhas
BMJ 1994 308: 991-992. [Extract] [Full Text]

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