History / How it works:
Norplant is a recent invention which provides five years of continuous, highly effective contraception. It is a set of six tiny tubes inserted under the skin of the arm. Each tube contains a progestin called levonorgestrel which is slowly released and suppresses ovulation. It can be reversed at any time by removing the implants.

Who Should and Should Not Use It:
You may not be able to use this method if you have a previous history of breast cancer, stroke, heart disease, are taking seizure medication, or have advanced diabetes, or if you have bleeding from your vagina apart from your period. If you do not want to get pregnant for the next five years, this is a great choice. Often used by teenagers and women with many children for this reason. Excellent choice for women who have trouble remembering to use or using contraceptive methods at the time of sexual intercourse the same advantage as Depo-Provera, but more long-term. In the fifth year of use, the Norplant set is replaced. Women who are on anti-seizure medicines should use a back-up contraceptive method with Norplant at all times because anti-seizure medications can cause Norplant to fail as a contraceptive. Also, women who are taking INH therapy for tuberculosis/exposure will have the same problem.

Summary of Norplant