[Norplant: a 3-year experience of the National Institute of Perinatology in Mexico]

We present the experience from Instituto Nacional de Perinatología (INPer) with the use of subdermal contraceptive implants Norplant from 1995 to 1997. The purpose was to Know the sociodemographic characteristics and evaluate contraceptive efficacy, adverse effects and tolerance on the users of Norplant. We carried out a prospective, observational trial in the Family Planning Clinic, during the period january 1o, 1995 through december 31, 1997. Women with desire of long term hormonal contraception, and without contraindications for the use of progestins were eligible for the study. The follow up consisted in visits every 6 months, and in some cases we obtain the information by telephonic interviews. One hundred an two women were included in the study; the median age of the subjects was 21.6 years, the median number of pregnancies were 2.0. In 53% of the subjects an obstetric risk factor was present such as adolescence (25.5%), social (8.8%), and others. Seventy-four women were followed up, and accumulated 1,064 months of observation. (Average 14.4 months). Menstrual irregulaties (83%), and headache (30%) were the most frequent adverse effects. The continuity rate was 81%, and during the study no pregnancy was observed. The principal causes for the extraction of the implants were menstrual irregulaties and headache. The contraceptive subdermal implants Norplant, constitutes and excellent choice because of its high efficacy, safety and good tolerance.