What are Norplant contraceptive implants?
Norplant implant are 6 matchstick size rods inserted into the upper arm.
After you are given a local anesthetic, insertion takes about 7 to 10 minutes.
Usually it does not hurt. Norplant implants give off very small amounts
of a hormone much like the progesterone a woman produces during the last
2 weeks of each monthly cycle. Among typical couples who initiate use of
Norplant implants, 1 in 1,000 will experience an accidental pregnancy in
the first year.
Complete information about this contraceptive is available from your
clinician or from the package insert accompanying Norplant contraceptive
implants.
Advantages:
- Norplant implants are very effective. Only 1 woman in 1,000 becomes
pregnant in the first year of Norplant use. If 100 women use Norplant
implants for 5 years, only 2 will become pregnant.
- There is nothing you must do on a daily basis or at the time of intercourse
to prevent pregnancy.
- Only one clinic visit per year (for a regular checkup) is required.
- Women using Norplant lose less menstrual blood.
- Teenagers using Norplant have higher continuation rates and lower pregnancy
rates than teenagers choosing to use birth control pills or Depo-Provera
injections.
Disadvantages:
- Norplant is quite likely to cause irregular periods. If your
bleeding pattern is bothersome to you, contact your clinician. There are
medications that may give you a more acceptable pattern of bleeding. As
time goes on your periods may become more regular.
- You may gain weight, lose hair, develop headaches or develop darkening
of the skin over your implants. Implants may cause some arm discomfort.
- Depression and premenstrual symptoms may improve or worsen.
- A woman may have trouble finding a clinician who will remove her implants.
- Norplant implants do not protect you from HIV or other infections. Use
a condom if you or your partner may be at risk.
Where can I get Norplant?
You can get Norplant implants from your doctor, nurse practitioner, nurse
midwife, health department, or family planning clinic. Not all clinicians
insert implants. Check in advance. Be sure the clinician inserting your
Norplant is also experienced at removing implants and will remove
them whether or not you are able to pay to have them removed. You will probably
be given a date to return about one month after insertion to check out the
insertion site and to answer any questions you may have.
You may qualify for free Norplant implants from the Norplant Foundation.
Call 703-706-5933 for more information. They can also help you get your
Norplant removed.
