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

New concepts in contraception: Norplant subdermal implant.

AUTHORS

Lynn MM; Holdcroft C

SOURCE

NURSE PRACTITIONER. 1992 Mar;17(3):85-9.

ABSTRACT

User compliance is not a problem for the recently approved subdermal, longterm contraceptive delivery system,

Norplant. It delivers 50-80 mcg of levonorgestrel/day during the 1st year and 30-35 mcg for years 2-5. The

levonorgestrel is encased in 6 36 mm x 2.4 mm capsules which are placed in the upper arm in 5-10 minutes using

local anesthesia. Since the implants systemically release levonorgestrel, the shock to the liver experienced in oral

contraceptive (OC) users does not occur. Levonorgestrel prevents pregnancy by decreasing luteinizing hormone and

follicle stimulating hormone which prevents ovulation, reducing the rate of ovum transfer in the tube, making the

endometrium incompatible for implantation, and making the cervical mucus too thick and scanty for sperms to

migrate if ovulation does occur. 1-year pregnancy rates for Norplant users are much lower than for women who use

other contraceptives (0.6/100 users vs. 2.3/100 for OC users and 2.4/100 for IUD users). The ectopic pregnancy rate

is also low (1.47/1000 Norplant users). The 1-year continuation rate is 80% compared with 50% for OC users.

Fertility returns within 3 months for 50% of users and within 1 year for 80%. Because Norplant does not adversely

affect lipid metabolism there is no increase in the risk of atherogenesis. Menstrual irregularities are the leading side

effect of Norplant. The irregular cycles tend to occur during the 1st 3-6 months after insertion. Other side effects

include headaches, acne, breast discharge, weight gain, and transient ovarian cysts. Contraindications are

abnormal uterine bleeding, possible pregnancy, active liver disease, and women taking phenytoin. The cost for the

initial exam and insertion of the Norplant capsules is $500 at Planned parenthood of the Rocky Mountains in

Colorado (mean=$8.30/month vs. $13/month for 5 years of taking OCs). Due to the possibility of exploitation of women

and involuntary infertility, nurse practitioners must thoroughly explain the system to each patient and answer all

questions so the patient can give informed consent. (PubHealth.info Document ID: CONT3T 1573-06)

PubHealth.info NOTE: The author(s) of this article titled, "New concepts in contraception: Norplant subdermal

implant.", is(are) Lynn MM; Holdcroft C. The source of this article is "NURSE PRACTITIONER. 1992 Mar;17(3):85-

9.". This article was published in 1992 in English language(s). (PubHealth.info® Document ID: CONT3T 1573-06. All

rights reserved with PubHealth.info) PIN: 11573

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