Menstrual bleeding patterns in Norplant-2 implant users

The objective of the present study was to analyze the patterns of menstrual bleeding in Singaporean women using Norplant-2 contraceptive implants over a five-year period. Of the 100 women recruited for the study, 62 were still using the implant at the end of five years. Only 9 women discontinued for menstrual reasons and they did so within the first 21 months of implant use. Although a normal menstrual bleeding pattern was uncommon during the first three months of use, 69.4% had normal menstruation at the end of five years. Irregular bleeding was the most common form of menstrual abnormality throughout the study period. Infrequent periods and amenorrhoea were distinctly uncommon, especially after the first two years of use. The pattern of bleeding with Norplant-2 was not significantly different from that previously observed with Norplant.