The effects of nomegestrol acetate subdermal implant (Uniplant®) on serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoproteins in Nigerian users

The study was conducted to assess the effects of a nomegestrol acetate subdermal contraceptive implant (Uniplant®) on the lipid profiles of indigenous Nigerian women. Cholesterol content of the major lipoproteins, along with total cholesterol and triglycerides, were measured in fasting blood samples collected before implant insertion and then at months 1, 3, 6, and 12 of use. All volunteers were of the reproductive age, healthy, and had no contraindications to hormonal contraception. The mean levels of cholesterol and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) increased gradually, albeit insignificantly, from insertion to month 12 of implant use. An initial decline in the mean levels of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), reaching a minimal level (37.31 ± 4.95 mg/dl) at month 3 of implant use, was observed. This was followed by a gradual rise that peaked (39.73 ± 5.53 mg/dL) at month 12. These values were, however, not significantly different from the preinsertion value. The only significant difference (p