NORPLANT
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 intercourseÑthe 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
| Effectiveness
(Failure Rate) |
Typical
Use = Perfect Use = 5 pregnancies per 1000 women per
year = 99.5% effective
|
| Benefits |
See
benefits for Depo-Provera
Generally
well-tolerated in terms of side effects
Can
be removed at any time regardless of your ability
to pay for removal
Cheaper
in the long run over 5 years of use
|
| Risks |
Insertion
and removal both require a minor surgical procedure
Norplant
removal can be technically challenging
Higher
risk of pregnancy at the end of the fifth year
High
initial cost unless you have Medicaid Insurance
Small
risk of irritation at implant site
|
|
STD
Protection
|
Absolutely
none |
| How
to Get It |
A
prescription is needed. Visit your doctor or health
care provider to see if this is right for you. |
| Cost |
Total
cost of insertion/visits: $500-700
Medicaid
recipients: fully covered
Norplant
Foundation (1-800-760-9030) will provide free implants
and removal certificates to women who do not have
Medicaid but cannot afford to pay for Norplant.
|
