|
Birth Control Methods |
||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||
|
Answers to frequently asked questions about choices in contraceptives |
||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||
|
Adapted by Tracee Cornforth What is Norplant?Norplant, approved by FDA in 1990, and the newer Norplant 2, approved in 1996, are the third type of progestin-only contraceptive. Made up of small rubber rods, this contraceptive is surgically implanted under the skin of the upper arm, where it steadily releases the contraceptive steroid levonorgestrel. The six-rod Norplant provides protection for up to five years (or until it is removed), while the two-rod Norplant 2 protects for up to three years. Norplant failures are rare, but are more likely in women with increased body weight. Some women may experience inflammation or infection at the site of the implant. Other side effects include menstrual cycle changes, weight gain, and breast tenderness. Another important but less obvious change may be loss of bone mass. Contraceptives Resource Center <<<Return
to Birth Control FAQs
Index
>>>Next
Page
Adapted from the United States Office on Women's Health in the Department of Health and Human Services
|
||||||||||||
