The use of modern long-acting hormonal contraceptives: relevance, demand and concerns. Debunking myths

Background. 68% of women in Russia use modern methods of preventing unintended pregnancy, which is higher than the world average (57%) and comparable to indicators in developed countries (62%). Researchers also state that in the Russian Federation there is a fairly high rate of use of modern reversible contraceptives (46%), of which 30% are combined oral contraceptives, and intrauterine systems (both copper-containing and levonorgestrel-containing) account for 14%. Other long-acting hormonal releasing systems with various methods of administration are preferred by only 1% of those declaring a desire to use one or another method of hormonal contraception. According to researchers, such a small percentage is associated with a low level of patient awareness of existing advanced methods of contraception - hormonal releasing systems. At the same time, modern research leaves no doubt that the effectiveness of hormonal releasing systems reaches the highest level not only due to the active component, but also due to adherence to the method, eliminating the factor of ″unforced user error″, i.e. due to the lack of need for control over use by the woman. Results. The article presents arguments in favor of long-acting hormonal contraception, as well as data demonstrating the benefits of using a subcutaneous etonogestrel-containing single-rod implant – highly effective long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). Data are presented on the difficulties that arise when acquiring the practice of installing and removing an implant, and the myths that exist, including in the medical environment, regarding the use of a subcutaneous etonogestrel-containing single-rod implant in various groups of patients.