Abstract

PIP: More than 50 countries have now approved Norplant implants for contraceptive use in women. The World Health Organization has concluded that the implants are an effective, reversible method of fertility control with particular advantages for women who wish to have an extended period of contraceptive protection. This article reviews available knowledge on Norplant's mechanism of action, effectiveness, contraindications, adverse effects, and benefits. Norplant users, many of whom were prior oral contraceptive users, cite the convenience and low incidence of side effects as the major advantages of the method. However, some women are unable to tolerate the irregular menstrual bleeding sometimes associated with this method. The ease of insertion and removal has been improved by the development of the Norplant II system, which has 2 covered rods as opposed to 6 capsules.