Related topics: •  Depo-Provera •  Female Condom •  IUD FAQ

Norplant is a hormonal method of birth control that's more than 99 percent effective. A clinician implants six flexible, matchstick-sized capsules in your upper arm, where they continuously release a small amount of synthetic progesterone. This hormone (which is also used in many birth control pills) prevents you from ovulating; thins the lining of your uterus, making it hard for an egg to lodge there if one does slip through; and thickens the mucus around your cervix, which can keep sperm from entering. The implants last five years. Norplant won't protect you from sexually transmitted diseases.

In 2000, the manufacturer stopped producing Norplant after some women filed lawsuits saying they were not given enough warning about the product's risks. Two years later, the manufacturer decided not to reintroduce the drug to the US market. However, women who are already using Norplant may continue to do so.

Norplant capsules are inserted into a layer of fat underneath your skin; they shouldn't be noticeable unless you're quite thin. The procedure takes 10 or 20 minutes, and the capsules will be effective in 24 hours. Stitches aren't usually required, the cut must be kept clean and bandaged until it heals. Your arm may feel sore for several days. Schedule a follow-up visit no more than three months after the insertion, and once a year after that. When five years have passed, you'll need to have the implants removed or replaced.

Manufacturers have now produced a second-generation of birth control implants. One of these, Jadelle, is as effective as Norplant though only requires two progestin-releasing rods. Jadelle isn’t yet available in the United States, but may be soon if a US distributor is found. Another implant, called Nestorone, is specifically designed for breast-feeding women.

You'll probably find that your menstrual flow is lighter while you're using Norplant -- a nice perk. But you may also have irregular bleeding, especially during the first six months after insertion. Other possible side effects include weight gain, headaches, nausea, dizziness, acne, breast tenderness, and moodiness. See your doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain, breast discharge, heavy menstrual bleeding, or any redness, swelling, or numbness near the implants.

You can have Norplant removed anytime you want, and your fertility will return to normal within 24 hours. Because your tissue tends to thicken around the capsules over the years, getting them out may be a little more complicated than getting them in. Removal generally takes around 30 minutes, although more than one visit may be required if the capsules are difficult to get at.

Norplant isn't a good choice for women who weigh more than 150 pounds, because the amount of progesterone released into the bloodstream might not be enough to prevent ovulation. Women who have unexplained vaginal bleeding, breast cancer, liver disease, or a tendency to develop blood clots shouldn't use Norplant. Taking certain epilepsy drugs can reduce the effectiveness of progesterone. You can use Norplant while breastfeeding, but only after your child is older than six weeks.

Norplant is no longer available. The cost of removing the capsules at any time will be $100 to $200. Women without insurance can call the Contraception Foundation at 800/760-9030 for information about financial assistance. You can also contact your local Planned Parenthood.

References

First published July 15, 1999
Last updated April 24, 2007
Copyright © 1999 Consumer Health Interactive

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