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

The newest contraceptive: the Norplant system.

AUTHORS

Bauman R

SOURCE

MINNESOTA NURSING ACCENT. 1992 Mar;64(2 Suppl):3.

ABSTRACT

The Norplant system was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration on December 10, 1990. This system

has been approved for use in 14 countries and is currently in clinical trials in 35 other countries. The Norplant is a

long-term reversible contraceptive, lasts for 5 years, and any time during those 5 years it can be discontinued. The

Norplant consists of 6 soft flexible Silastic capsules that are placed in a fanlike pattern under the skin of the upper

arm, done under local anesthesia in an office or clinic. The procedure takes about 10-15 minutes. It works by

continuously releasing a synthetic hormone, Levonorgestrel (progestin), that inhibits ovulation, causes eggs not to be

released regularly, and thickens cervical mucus. Thickening of the cervical mucus makes it more difficult for sperm

to reach the egg. There isn't any estrogen used with this system. The Norplant system compares with oral

contraceptives for effectiveness. With this system 0.6 pregnancies occurred/100 women by the end of 1 year; over 5

years the total rate was 1.5 pregnancies/100 users. If placed within 7 days after the onset of menstrual bleeding or

immediately following an abortion, Norplant is effective within 24 hours. A backup method is necessary for the

remainder of the cycle if it is placed during other times. After removal the contraceptive effect ends quickly and

previous level of fertility is obtained. The capsules are not noticeable unless the woman is very thin or muscular.

However, the outline of the capsules can be felt and once placed they will not break or move around. There will be a

very small scar left, which is not noticeable in most women. Bruising or discoloration may occur over the site, but

once the Norplant is removed it disappears. Some common side effects of the Norplant system are: menstrual

changes, such as midcycle bleeding or spotting, irregularity, more frequent periods, heavier or lighter flow, or

amenorrhea. Other side effects reported have been headaches, weight gain, nausea and dizziness, change in

appetite, enlargement of ovaries and fallopian tubes, mastalgia (breast tenderness), altered hair growth, and

decreased libido. Even with these side effects a continuation rate of about 80% has been reported among women

after the 1st year. This system works well for women who are considering sterilization but are not quite ready to make

a final decision. Also, for women who want a long-term reversible contraceptive, who want to avoid daily

contraceptive methods, and who cannot use or wish to avoid using estrogen-containing contraceptives. Women who

have a history of acute liver diseases, unexplained vaginal bleeding, breast cancer, or blood clots in the legs, lungs,

or eyes should consult their doctor prior to using this method. Also, women who are or think they are pregnant

should not have the capsules placed. Postpartum women can safely have the capsules placed, but breast feeding

mothers should wait at least 6 weeks prior to having the procedure done. (PubHealth.info Document ID: CONT3T

1587-06)

PubHealth.info NOTE: The author(s) of this article titled, "The newest contraceptive: the Norplant system.", is(are)

Bauman R. The source of this article is "MINNESOTA NURSING ACCENT. 1992 Mar;64(2 Suppl):3.". This article

was published in 1992 in English language(s). (PubHealth.info® Document ID: CONT3T 1587-06. All rights reserved

with PubHealth.info) PIN: 11587

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