Norplant

Norplant is a form of birth control for women. It is a series of capsules, each matchstick size, that are implanted under the skin of the underside of the upper arm via a surgical procedure performed by a physician. The six capsules contain slow-release progestin, which offers 5 years of birth control for the woman. The birth control does not offer any protection against STDs.http://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/birth-control-norplant

Norplant was taken off the market in the United States in June, 2002, after massive reports from women using the device revealed that it was causing exceptionally heavy menstrual flow and irregular cycles. Coupled with the problems in removing the capsules from the arms, the product was pulled from the market by manufacturer, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.http://articles.sfgate.com/2006-07-19/news/17304601_1_norplant-control-pills-cost-organon

Additional complaints about Norplant included the slightly raised bumps in the arms at insertion site, and the development of scar tissue. And the removal of the device (recommended every 5 years) sometimes took multiple doctor visits to complete.http://www.livestrong.com/article/14164-norplant-system/

The procedure for inserting the capsules involves the injection of local anesthesia into the site, then a small incision, and the insertion of the capsules. The procedure normally takes about 15 minutes to complete.http://www.livestrong.com/article/14164-norplant-system/

When on still on the market, Norplant was not available for teenagers, and was only available to women for insertion during the first week after their menstrual flow (to ensure no pregnancy). After inserted, the Norplant capsules remained effective for 5 years.http://www.livestrong.com/article/14164-norplant-system/

Since it has been more than five years since the birth control product was pulled off the market, all women should have had their Norplant device removed by now. Each Norplant implant should never remain in place beyond five years. However, if for any reason a woman still has a Norplant insert in place, she should contact her doctor immediately to discuss alternatives and schedule a time to have the implants removed.http://www.pamf.org/teen/sex/birthcontrol/norplant.html

• Irregular menstrual periods or no periods at all
• Headaches
• Nervousness
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Acne
• Changes in appetite
• Weight gain
• Excessive growth of facial and body hair

Irregular menstrual periods is also a known common side effect and is most common during the first year of Norplant use. Always talk with your physician about potential side effects.http://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/birth-control-norplant

The information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult a medical doctor with all concerns and questions relating to pregnancy, birth control, and reproduction.