|
What
is it?
|
The Norplant
System is a reversible, five year, low dose, progestin-only
contraceptive. The Norplant System consists of six very small
matchstick size capsules (made of silastic tubing) that are
placed just under the skin of the upper arm. |
|
Will
this contraception work for me?
|
Norplant
may be particularly effective for women who can't take estrogen,
women who are seeking continuous, long-term contraception but
do not want permanent sterilization, women who have had difficulty
with other contraceptive methods. |
|
How
effective is it?
|
The Norplant
System is one of the most effective forms of contraception.
The average annual pregnancy rate over five years is less than
1%. Norplant has undergone many years of research and testing.
Through 1990, 500,000 women have used this method in seventeen
countries where the Norplant System is in general use. |
|
How
long does the procedure take?
|
After careful
counseling with your health care provider, you may have the
Norplant System placed under the skin of the upper arm through
a small incision using local anesthesia. This is an office procedure
which usually takes 10-15 minutes. It should be done within
the first seven days of your menstrual cycle to assure that
you are not pregnant. As long as the placement of the Norplant
System occurs within this time period, you are protected from
pregnancy within 24 hours. The IU Health Center requires a Pap
smear within one year prior to insertion as well as a recheck
ten days after insertion. |
|
When
should I have it removed?
|
After five
years (or earlier if you desire), you should return to your
health care provider to have the Norplant System removed. The
removal is similar to the insertion and usually takes 40-45
minutes, but may occasionally take longer or require two visits.
Removal is particularly likely to be difficult if insertion
of an implant was deep. After removal, if you wish, you can
have a new set of capsules implanted for five more years of
birth control. |
|
Pros
|
Highly effective
method. You don't have to worry about getting pregnant for five
years. Allows for spontaneous sex. |
|
Cons
|
Ugly bumps
in your arm. Scar tissue can form around implants making them
hard to remove. Need a health care provider who is trained in
the "Norplant System" to remove them. Many women complain
of tenderness in the arm in the area of the implants. |
|
Effectiveness
|
Failure rate
less than 1% |
|
Most
common side effect?
|
The
most common side effect is change in the menstrual bleeding
pattern. Irregularities range from woman to woman and may include:
prolonged menstrual bleeding, spotting between menstrual periods
or no bleeding at all. These side effects tend to lessen after
6-9 months. Any side effects that may occur with birth control
pills may also occur with Norplant including: depression, nervousness/anxiety,
nausea/vomiting, dizziness, hair loss or excessive hair growth,
headaches, weight gain, breast tenderness, acne and high blood
pressure. |
|
IMPORTANT
|
Norplant
does not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
Use latex condoms for increased protection against the transmission
of STDs including HIV. |
This product was taken off the market in July 2002.