Quality of Life in Women Using LARC Contraception

Assiut University

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Quality of Life

Treatments: Device: Etonogestrel Implant; Device: Levonorgestrel Intrauterine Device; Device: Copper Intrauterine Device

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07509138

LARC-Contraception-QoL

Details and patient eligibility

About

assessment of quality of life in women using LARC

Full description

The ability to control one's fertility is a cornerstone of reproductive health and personal autonomy, fundamentally influencing women's educational, economic, and social trajectories. Modern contraception provides this control, offering a diverse range of methods that allow women and couples to plan if and when to have children. The choice of contraceptive method is a deeply personal decision, often guided by a complex interplay of medical history, lifestyle, personal values, and an individual's priorities regarding efficacy, convenience, and potential side effects (Bangar & Bansal, 2023).

Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) emerged as a highly effective and increasingly popular category. LARC methods are distinguished by their requirement for administration by a healthcare provider but offer protection against pregnancy for an extended period, ranging from three to ten years, without any ongoing user action. Their "forget-and-forget" nature eliminates the need for daily, weekly, or monthly adherence, resulting in typical-use effectiveness rates that rival those of permanent sterilization. (Francis et al., 2024).

While the clinical effectiveness of LARC in preventing pregnancy is well-established, a comprehensive understanding of its impact must extend beyond this singular outcome to encompass the broader concept of quality of life (QoL). Quality of life is a multidimensional construct that includes physical well-being, psychological state, social relationships, and environmental factors. For a woman using contraception, QoL is affected not only by her confidence in avoiding an unintended pregnancy but also by her experience with method-related side effects (such as changes in bleeding patterns, mood, or weight), the convenience of use, and the overall sense of control over her reproductive health. (Alsammani & Ahmed, 2023)

Enrollment: 427 estimated patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18 to 45 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• women aged 18 to 45 years,

women used LARC contraception,

women agreed to participate.

Exclusion criteria

• women using non LARC contraception,

women had any psychiatric disorder

Trial design

427 participants in 3 patient groups

Implanon(Etonogest Implant)

Description:

A hormonal subdermal contraceptive implant releasing etonogestrel (progestin-only). The implant is inserted under the skin of the upper arm and provides continuous contraception for up to 3-5 years. It works by suppressing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the endometrium. This method is commonly used by women seeking long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) with minimal user action. Participants using this method for at least 3 months will be included in this cohort.

Treatment:

Device: Etonogestrel Implant

LNG-IUD (Levonorgestrel Intrauterine Device)

Description:

A hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) that releases levonorgestrel locally inside the uterus (e.g., Mirena or Kyleena). The device provides long-term contraception for approximately 3-8 years depending on the model. Its mechanism primarily involves endometrial thinning leading to reduced menstrual bleeding, with partial suppression of ovulation. It is commonly preferred for women who require contraception along with management of heavy menstrual bleeding. Participants using the LNG-IUD for at least 3 months will be included in this cohort.

Treatment:

Device: Levonorgestrel Intrauterine Device

Cu-IUD (Copper Intrauterine Device)

Description:

A non-hormonal copper intrauterine device (e.g., ParaGard or TCu-380A) used for long-term contraception. The device releases copper ions that are toxic to sperm, creating an inflammatory uterine environment that prevents fertilization and implantation. The contraceptive effect can last 5-12 years depending on the model. This method is commonly chosen by women who prefer hormone-free contraception or require an emergency contraception option. Participants using the copper IUD for at least 3 months will be included in this cohort.

Treatment:

Device: Copper Intrauterine Device