| Abstract: | It will soon be possible for a woman who does not want to become pregnant to have a Norplant system implanted under the skin of her arm; it provides a 5-year supply of continuous hormonal contraceptive protection. Failure rates have been consistently below 1 pregnancy/100 users/year, and the system has generally shown continuation rates at least as good as IUDs. As with other contraceptives using progestins alone, the implant tends to disrupt menstrual patterns; a large proportion of women who stop using the method do so because of abnormal bleeding. However, menstrual disturbances appear to subside toward the end of the 1st year of use. The system consists of 6 separate capsules about 1.3 inches long and .1 inches in diameter made of silastic packed with 36 mg of levonorgestrel. Every day about 30 mg. of this hormone are released. The capsules are inserted in a fan-shaped pattern after a .2 inch incision is made; the entire operation, including preparing the patient and administering a local anesthetic, requires 10-15 minutes. Removing the implants is somewhat more complicated as the layer of fibrous tissue that forms around them must 1st be cut open. This procudure may take up to 20 minutes. The return of fertility does not appear to be compromised by the use of the implant. The 6-capsule Norplant system may be replaced in a few years by a more advanced 2-rod version that is now undergoing clinical trials. |
