NORPLANT

Norplant is a long lasting birth control method for women. Small flexible capsules filled with a hormone called progesterone are placed under the skin of the upper arm through a small incision that is about one-eighth to one-quarter inch long. The procedure takes 5 to 15 minutes. This method of birth control starts working right away, so that it is effective within 24 hours if implanted within the first 5 days of the menstrual cycle. It lasts for 5 years.

Norplant releases contraceptive over a period of 5 years. It works by stopping ovulation. It also prevents the sperm from getting to the egg by thickening the mucus in the cervix and keeps the egg from attaching to the uterus. The chance of getting pregnant is less than one percent. The ability to get pregnant returns within 24 hours after having it removed. Norplant can be removed any time, but is usually done after 5 years or if there is a desire to become pregnant.

After Norplant is put in an arm during the menstrual period, there is nothing else that needs to be done to the Norplant for 5 years, when it is removed. After removal a different form of birth control will need to be used. Women still need a yearly visit to a healthcare provider for routine Pap smears.

The advantages of Norplant are:

prevents pregnancy for up to 3 years for 2 rods; 5 years for 6 rods
the capsules are painless and nearly invisible after they are put in the arm
safer than birth control pills, as it only uses one hormone
nothing else has to be done to prevent pregnancy
can be used by some women who cannot take birth control pills and
can be used while breastfeeding, starting 6 weeks after delivery

The disadvantages of Norplant are:

irregular periods
spotting between periods
occasional longer periods of bleeding and spotting
no periods and
does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases

Dilantin, Tegretol, or Phenobarbital, which are drugs taken for epilepsy, can decrease the effectiveness of Norplant. The provider should be told about these drugs if a woman has Norplant implanted.

Some side effects may occur like headache, dizziness, nervousness, weight gain, acne, appetite changes, or muscle pain. These usually go away after having the Norplant for several months. The provider should be called if unusual bleeding occurs such as longer or heavier periods.

Norplant was taken off the market in 2002. Women who have the implants, can leave them in, but should contact their healthcare provider to consider other options when it is time for them to be removed. Norplant has a toll free hotline to call for further information (800-364-9809). At this time there is no other birth control implant available in the United States.

For more information, contact your provider or visit the website of EngenderHealth, a non-profit organization dedicated to making reproductive healthcare accessible to women and men around the world, at www.engenderhealth.org.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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