Norplant implants are 6 matchstick size rods inserted into the upper arm. After you are given a local anesthetic, insertion takes about 7 to 10 minutes. Usually it does not hurt. Norplant implants give off very small amounts of a hormone much like the progesterone a woman produces during the last 2 weeks of each monthly cycle. Among typical couples who initiate use of Norplant implants, 1 in 1,000 will experience an accidental pregnancy in the first year. Complete information about this contraceptive is available from your clinician or from the package insert accompanying Norplant contraceptive implants.
Advantages:
- Norplant implants are very effective. Only 1 woman in 1,000 becomes pregnant in the first year of Norplant use. If 100 women use Norplant implants for 5 years, only 2 will become pregnant.
- There is nothing you must do on a daily basis or at the time of intercourse to prevent pregnancy.
- Only one clinic visit per year (for a regular checkup) is required.
- Women using Norplant lose less menstrual blood.
- Teenagers using Norplant have higher continuation rates and lower pregnancy rates than teenagers choosing to use birth control pills or Depo-Provera injections.
Disadvantages:
- Norplant is quite likely to cause irregular periods. If your bleeding pattern is bothersome to you, contact your clinician. There are medications that may give you a more acceptable pattern of bleeding. As time goes on your periods may become more regular.
- You may gain weight, lose hair, develop headaches or develop darkening of the skin over your implants. Implants may cause some arm discomfort.
- Depression and premenstrual symptoms may improve or worsen.
- A woman may have trouble finding a clinician who will remove her implants.
- Norplant implants do not protect you from HIV or other infections. Use a condom if you or your partner may be at risk.
Where can I get Norplant?
You can get Norplant implants from your doctor, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, health department, or family planning clinic. Not all clinicians insert implants. Check in advance. Be sure the clinician inserting your Norplant is also experienced at removing implants and will remove them whether or not you are able to pay to have them removed. You will probably be given a date to return about one month after insertion to check out the insertion site and to answer any questions you may have.
You may qualify for free Norplant implants from the Norplant Foundation. Call 703-706-5933 for more information. They can also help you get your Norplant removed.
What if I have sex before my Norplant is inserted, and I don't use birth control?
For 72 hours AFTER unprotected sex, you can take emergency contraceptive pills to avoid becoming pregnant. For up to 7 days AFTER unprotected sex, you can have an IUD put in. Not all clinicians know about emergency contraception. If you want more information or would like the phone numbers of clinicians near you who prescribe emergency contraception, CALL the toll-free hotline 1-888-NOT-2-LATE or 1-800-584-9911. Some of these sources of help are free.
These materials were written by Robert A. Hatcher, MD, MPH, Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine.
