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Clinical Trial Summary

Long-acting reversible contraceptives [LARC; copper-intrauterine devices (IUDs), the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) and subdermal implants] are the most effective reversible contraceptives available. A common side effect of these methods is changes in menstrual bleeding. Dissatisfaction with unpredictable bleeding is the main reason for early discontinuation of LARC methods. The mechanism of unpredictable bleeding is unknown; it is likely related to the progestogen dilating superficial veins and capillaries, which are fragile and susceptible to focal bleeding. Other potential influences include changes in structural support of the endometrium, altered matrix metalloproteinase activity, and changes in endometrial perfusion and hemostasis. Local genetic alterations of the hormonal receptors of endometrium can also play a role in the etiology of the unpredictable bleeding experienced by some women. Regarding etonogestrel (ENG)-releasing implant, some evidences suggest that the use of mefenamic acid, mifepristone with estradiol or doxycycline, or doxycycline alone can temporally stop the bleeding; however, all these therapies cannot avert the recurrence of the bleeding. Recently, a randomized clinical trial (RCT) evaluated the effectiveness of a short-term use of combined oral contraceptive (COC) in stopping bleeding episodes and preventing bleeding recurrence. The authors found that bothersome bleeding in ENG-implant users stopped within 14-day of COC treatment, but bleeding most often resumes within 10 days of treatment cessation. Although COC can stop the bleeding, it is not known which component of the COC is responsible for this effect. There is evidence suggesting that estrogen alone is not effective in stopping the bleeding of progestogen-only contraceptives or a high dose of ethinyl estradiol is needed to obtain this effect. Furthermore, the recurrence of the bleeding shown with the COC use could be explained by the interruption of the estrogen. For this reason, our hypothesis is that a progestogen-only pill could be superior to placebo in stopping the bleeding associated with the ENG-implant use as well as being superior to placebo in recurrence of bleeding after discontinuation of the therapy.


Clinical Trial Description

n/a


Study Design


Related Conditions & MeSH terms


NCT number NCT04047875
Study type Interventional
Source University of Sao Paulo
Contact Carolina S Vieira, PhD, MD
Phone +551636022821
Email carol.sales@usp.br
Status Recruiting
Phase Phase 4
Start date September 15, 2020
Completion date May 2023

See also
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Completed NCT01469585 - Oral Contraceptives and Subantimicrobial Doxycycline: Effect on Endometrial Matrix Metalloproteinases N/A
Completed NCT00475553 - Management of Breakthrough Bleeding During Extended Therapy Use With NuvaRing® N/A
Completed NCT02903121 - Treatment of Unfavorable Bleeding Patterns in Contraceptive Implant Users Phase 4
Terminated NCT04676061 - Effects of a Progestin on Frequent and/or Prolonged Bleeding With Nexplanon™ Phase 4
Active, not recruiting NCT04205929 - Use of Curcumin to Treat Unfavorable Bleeding Patterns in Contraceptive Implant Users Phase 4
Completed NCT00120913 - Continuous Oral Contraceptives (COCs): Are Bleeding Patterns Dependent on the Hormones Given? N/A