Intervention to End Recurrent Unscheduled Bleeding Trial: A Randomized-controlled Trial of Ulipristal Acetate for Unscheduled Bleeding in Etonogestrel Implant Users

The subdermal etonogestrel (ENG) implant, a long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) method, is among the most effective forms of reversible contraception and thus, an important tool in the quest to reduce unintended pregnancy. Despite this, ENG implant users make up a small percent of overall women that use LARC in the United States. Previous studies have demonstrated that among women dissatisfied with their implant, the majority cite unpredictable and irregular bleeding as a primary reason. Dissatisfaction with a contraceptive method can lead to discontinuation, which can put a woman at risk for unplanned pregnancy. Although irregular bleeding is a common side effect of all progestin-only contraceptives, there are significant gaps in our knowledge regarding the etiology of and effective therapies for unscheduled bleeding. While several mechanisms have been proposed and therapies have been studied, lack of convincing scientific evidence, in addition to possible contraindications to these therapies, demonstrates the need to investigate additional effective interventions.

Studies evaluating interventions for abnormal uterine bleeding resulting from uterine leiomyoma provide insight into potential therapies for progestin-mediated bleeding. In prior studies, ulipristal acetate (UPA) has been shown to reduce bleeding symptoms associated with uterine leiomyoma, including decreasing or stopping excessive bleeding. Progestin-associated irregular bleeding has been proposed to be secondary to a disruption in endometrial angiogenesis, therefore creating a fragile venous network. UPA may displace local progestin to counteract this effect. Thus, this medication has demonstrated both biologic plausibility as well as clinically important benefits. UPA may provide an additional safe and effective option for treatment of irregular bleeding in implant users. As women are often dissatisfied with irregular bleeding with the implant as noted above, improving bleeding profiles could potentially improve uptake and continuation of the device.

The investigators will perform a double blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Women will be randomized to receive either 15mg of UPA daily for 7 days or placebo for the same duration. The investigators hypothesize that UPA will decrease bleeding and spotting days in users of the ENG implant with unscheduled bleeding when compared to placebo as assessed by daily bleeding diaries.