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Norplant: subdermal implant system for long-term contraception
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles 90033.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|May 1, 1989
Summary
Norplant provides effective long-term contraception for up to 5 years using levonorgestrel implants. This method suppresses ovulation with a low pregnancy rate and rapid return to fertility after removal.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Norplant is a subdermal contraceptive implant system.
- It utilizes six capsules containing levonorgestrel for sustained release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Norplant for long-term contraception.
- To assess Norplant's mechanism of action and side effect profile.
Main Methods:
- Subdermal implantation of six levonorgestrel-filled capsules in the upper arm.
- Monitoring of pregnancy rates and side effects over a 5-year period.
Main Results:
- Low cumulative pregnancy rate of 1.5/100 woman-years at 5 years.
- Primary mechanism is ovulation suppression.
- Common side effects include irregular bleeding and headaches; no adverse effects on metabolism or coagulation.
- Lipid levels showed a 5% to 15% decrease.
Conclusions:
- Norplant is a highly effective, long-term contraceptive method.
- Fertility returns rapidly after implant removal with no adverse effects on infants.
- Norplant is approved in 12 countries with ongoing trials in 37.
Keywords:
ContraceptionContraceptive Agents, Female--side effectsContraceptive Agents, Progestin--side effectsContraceptive Agents--side effectsContraceptive EffectivenessContraceptive ImplantsContraceptive MethodsDemographic FactorsEvaluationFamily PlanningFertilityFertility MeasurementsLevonorgestrel--side effectsLiterature ReviewPopulationPopulation DynamicsPregnancy RateQualitative EvaluationUse-effectiveness