Norplant
Norplant implant established itself as one of the most reliable and at
the same time the most unavailable contraceptive on the western market due to
some really severe side effects known today.
GENERAL INFORMATION
This contraceptive is a birth control arm implant – very
effective, lasts for maximum of 5 years and could be reversed any time.
Norplant implant is approved for distribution in over 50 countries; however it
is not available in the United States or Canada. As a long-acting,
low-maintenance method, Norplant is very popular and widely available in Latin
America and Asia.
Norplant implant is very similar to Implanon,
which consists of one flexible, thin rod filled with levonorgestrel (synthetic
progestrogen). However, Norplant contains six similar capsules. Capsules are
inserted in the fan like shape under woman’s skin in the upper inner arm. The
effectiveness of this implant is 99.5%.
With Norplant, birth control protection is almost equal to
sterilization, but it is reversible in case a woman changes her mind. After the
insertion, it is recommended to refrain from sexual activity for at least 24 hours.
This is how long it takes for the device to start working.
The mechanism of Norplant is complex. In simple words it
prevents ovulation, thins uterus lining and thickens cervical mucus, to prevent
the sperm to successfully to reach the egg. This birth control implant can be
used by women that already reached fertility and want to avoid pregnancy.
Heavier women that are over 160 lbs might have slightly higher
chances to get pregnant while on the implant. Norplant is mostly suitable for
women that cannot use birth control methods containing
estrogen, need long term contraception, and do not want to be sterilized. If
the potential Norplant user has any thrombotic disorders or blood clots, they
should refrain from using this contraception and contact the doctor for
possible alternatives.
Norplant frequently causes menstrual irregularities. This is
the least liked factor amongst women and the main factor of discontinuing the
device. Some women do not like the fact that they cannot insert and remove the
device themselves. Trip to the doctor is mandatory as local anesthesia is
required.
Five main factors why women discontinue to use Norplant are:
- Spotting
~ 17.4%
- Headache
~ 1.9%
- Weight
change ~ 1.7%
- Mood
change ~ 1.1%
- Depression
~ 0.9%
The benefit of Norplant is its convenience,
effectiveness and reversibility.
PROCEDURE
Once the woman considered all the options and decided to go
with Norplant, the first thing that should be done is schedule the visit to the
doctor for a full physical examination and pelvic exam. The check up is
important, it will reassure the doctor and yourself that Norplant is safe for
you to use, as well as to make sure that you are not pregnant. The procedure is
always performed by specially trained health care professionals. Not all
clinics perform the insertion. A woman who is interested in getting the device
should make sure that the practitioner is licensed.
One of the best way to see the full procedure of inserting
Norplant capsules in pictures is available in Google Images. Below,
as a « preview only », you can see these excellent images, they also can be
found at the source of remarkable www.sciencephoto.com.
Norplant Insertion Procedure
Preview only – Full Credit SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
The procedure starts with local anesthetic shot in the upper
arm area. Then, the practitioner makes a small cut. Implants are inserted under
the skin one by one in the shape of a fan. The whole procedure takes about
fifteen to twenty minutes. After the procedure, you may encounter some
tenderness or bruising, which might last couple of days. In the first few days
the Norplant user should be very careful not to bump the area with the implant
and it should be kept dry for at least three days. Once the implant is inserted
it should be barely visible and it should not move. If it does move, contact
the health care provider, as it could be potentially difficult to remove. It is
recommended to get your first follow up after three months of the insertion,
and then regular yearly check ups would be enough.
When it is time to remove Norplant, be it is end of the 5th year,
medical or personal reason, a woman should make another appointment for the
removal. The removal procedure is almost the same as the insertion, but might
take a bit more time. Once Norplant is removed, the contraceptive action stops
after couple of days.
SIDE EFFECTS AND WARNINGS
Norplant as any other medications has side effects.
The most common side effect which disturbs approximately 80% of Norplant
users is irregular bleeding. A woman may experience longer periods, spotting
between periods, or no bleeding at all for several months. Women may also
experience headache, dizziness, nervousness, acne, increase in appetite,
anxiety, weight change, breast tenderness, hair loss or nausea and vomiting.
These side effects should diminish within the first six months to a year. Women
with preexisting conditions such as diabetes should be carefully monitored.
Other warning signs due to Norplant implant that women might encounter and
should report to the health care practitioner right away, include:
- Expulsion
of the implant (very rare but happens)
- Blurred
vision
- Pus,
arm pain or bleeding at the insertion area
- Heavy
vaginal bleeding
- Severe
crams
- Migraine
Although there is a very slight chance for pregnancy, but if
it does happen, Norplant should be removed immediately. Moreover, women that
use Norplant should keep in mind that certain medications such as drugs for
epilepsy, drugs for rheumatoid conditions, or antibiotics make the Implant less
effective.
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