Five-year experience with Norplant

At Klinik Raden Saleh, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Indonesia, from 1 May until 31 August, 1981, Norplant contraceptive implants were inserted into 437 Indonesian women. The continuation rates of Norplant at first, second, third, fourth and fifth year were, respectively, 96%, 92%, 88%, 82% and 78%. Bleeding problems were the most common cause for removal. The cumulative five-year net pregnancy rate for Norplant was 1.8 per 100 women. The Norplant contraceptive system is thus seen to combine the highest acceptability as measured by its continuation rate with the highest long-term effectiveness among the available temporary contraceptive methods.