Contraception (Birth Control) and Family Planning PubHealthInfo

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PubHealth.info® (a subsidiary of PakMed) presents scientific information mainly based on abstracts of articles published on a variety of public health issues/topics, particularly encompassing population planning, disease prevention, maternal and child health, and communicable and non-communicable diseases (like HIV AIDS, malaria, etc) that are affecting a significant portion of population in developing and developed countries. Here you can find abstracts of articles published on a variety of public health topics under category "Contraception (Birth Control) and Family Planning". Contraception (birth control) is a regimen of one or more actions, devices, or medications followed in order to deliberately prevent or reduce the likelihood of a woman becoming pregnant or giving birth. Therefore contraception is the utilization of various and sundry surgical procedures, devices, practices, agents, or drugs with the intention of preventing conception or impregnation (pregnancy). Methods and intentions typically termed birth control may be considered a pivotal ingredient to family planning. Birth control is a controversial political and ethical issue in many cultures and religions, and although it is generally less controversial than abortion specifically.

YEAR: 1992

CATEGORY: Contraception (Birth Control) and Family Planning

TITLE

Let's talk about Norplant: advances in steroidal contraception. [Hablemos

del Norplant: avances en anticoncepcion esteroidea.]

AUTHORS

Martinez JE

SOURCE

PROFAMILIA. 1992 Dec;8(20):28-34.

ABSTRACT

Norplant, the subdermal levonorgestrel-releasing contraceptive implant, has undergone 28 years of study, clinical

trials, and use by the general population. Its great advantage over combined oral contraceptives (OCs) is that it is

free of estrogen and thus acceptable for use by many women with contraindications to estrogen. Norplant has few or

no apparent effects on cholesterol, phospholipid, or triglyceride levels, and there is no evidence that Norplant use

increases cardiovascular risk. Norplant releases a constant dose of levonorgestrel that varies from 350 ng initially to

290 ng after 5 years of use. The levonorgestrel is released directly into the circulation, avoiding the first hepatic

passage. Norplant achieves its contraceptive effect by inhibiting the positive feedback exercised by estradiol on the

hypothalamus and thus reducing levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone, by rendering the

cervical mucus inhospitable to passage of sperm, and by altering the composition of the endometrial tissue. It has

been suggested that Norplant may affect tubal motility, but no studies in support of this hypothesis have been found.

Secondary effects of Norplant use include decreased secretion of gonadotropins and consequently decreased

frequency of ovulation, impaired luteal function, migraine or tension headaches, and occasionally such effects as

facial chloasma or alterations in libido. The most frequent complications are dysfunctional uterine bleeding and

irregular staining and spotting or amenorrhea. 70% of women experience such alterations of menstrual pattern with

Norplant over 5 years of use. Norplant is contraindicated for diabetic women because of possible alterations in

carbohydrate metabolism. Women who use certain antiepileptic or antitubercular drugs or barbiturates that affect the

action of levonorgestrel should choose a nonhormonal contraceptive method. Acute or chronic cholestatic hepatic

disease is an absolute contraindication. Although studies of the effects of Norplant on breastfeeding have not

conclusively demonstrated any risks, the problem of steroid transfer to the infant through the breast milk has not yet

been resolved. Several studies have confirmed the contraceptive efficacy of Norplant and calculated its failure rate

at 2%, which makes it the second most effective method after sterilization. The rate of ectopic pregnancy is low.

The implants should be inserted under aseptic conditions similar to those observed during any surgical procedure.

Once the implants are removed, the serum concentrations of levonorgestrel decline rapidly. Most of the steroid is

eliminated within days. Fecundity returns in the cycle following removal. 85% of women conceive within the 1st year

after removal and 95% do so within 2 years. (PubHealth.info Document ID: CONT3T 1547-06)

PubHealth.info NOTE: The author(s) of this article titled, "Let's talk about Norplant: advances in steroidal

contraception. [Hablemos del Norplant: avances en anticoncepcion esteroidea.]", is(are) Martinez JE. The source

of this article is "PROFAMILIA. 1992 Dec;8(20):28-34.". This article was published in 1992 in Spanish language(s).

(PubHealth.info® Document ID: CONT3T 1547-06. All rights reserved with PubHealth.info) PIN: 11547

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