Use of Norplant implants in asymptomatic HIV-1 infected women

The study of Norplant implants use in HIV-1 infected women was conducted at the Family Planning Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, from January 1993 to June 1996. The purpose of the study was to evaluate efficacy, clinical effects, side effects, and menstrual patterns of the Norplant system in HIV-1 infected acceptors. Forty one cases of asymptomatic HIV-1 positive women voluntarily participated in using Norplant implants after delivery or abortion. The mean age was 25.4 years. The most common menstrual pattern was irregular bleeding (63.4%). Mean blood pressure, body weight, and hemoglobin level were not different at insertion and at 12 months (p > 0.05). No pregnancy occurred during a 12-month period. It was concluded that the Norplant system was safe, efficacious, and well tolerated in HIV-1 positive women and is an appropriate contraception in these women.