A 10-year follow-up study of contraceptive Norplant implants

Objectives: To evaluate the long-term efficacy and health problems associated with Norplant implants and re-implants after 5 full years of first implants. Method: From 1984 to 1988, 1657 women accepted first implants of Type I and Type II of Norplant, and 394 first accepters had a re-implant, at a clinic for study. The clinical records and annual follow-up data of accepters were analyzed. The life-table technique was the main method used. Results. The continuation rates were very high. The cumulative pregnancy rates at 1, 3 and 5 full years of use were 0.0%, 0.1% and 0.7%, respectively. Users with heavier body weight had higher pregnancy rates. The rate of menstrual disturbances peaked at 73% after 3 months and consistently decreased to 20% at 5 years of use. Rates of menstrual disturbances associated with re-implants were much lower. Conclusion: Norplant is extremely effective and safe for long-term use. (C) 2000 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.