Evaluation of safety, efficacy, and acceptability of NORPLANT implants in Sri Lanka

This paper presents findings based on a one-year pre-introductory clinical investigation concerning safety, efficacy, and acceptability of the new contraceptive NORPLANT implants in Sri Lanka. The study is based on 400 acceptors of the implants at two clinics in Sri Lanka. Acceptors' mean age was 27 years, mean number of children was about two, and average educational attainment was eight years. Nearly half of the acceptors did not want to have another child. Follow-up was conducted at one, three, six, and twelve months. The one-year termination rate due to medical problems was very low, and the one-year life-table pregnancy rate was 0.5. Menstrual pattern disruption was the most frequently reported complaint with the implants. Amenorrhea increased in the first three months of use, and intermenstrual bleeding was common among those menstruating. In spite of these changes and some significant variations between the acceptors in the two study center, the overall degree of satisfaction with the implants was very high. The features most important to the acceptability of the implants were low risk of pregnancy, the long duration of action, and the convenience of use. The results of the study suggest that NORPLANT implants are safe, effective, and highly acceptable to Sri Lankan women.