title: Use of Norplant in Pakistan: two years experience.
abstract: The acceptability and efficacy of norplant (levonorgestrel sub- dermal implants) was assessed over a period of two years among 445 married women aged 19 to 45 years. Twenty women were lost to follow-up while the remaining 425 were regularly followed-up. At the end of two years, 388 women were still continuing with norplant (91.2%). During this period, there was only one pregnancy (0.26%). There was no significant change in mean systolic or diastolic blood pressure. However, there was a significant increase (P < 0.001) in mean weight and decrease (P < 0.001) in the mean duration of menstrual cycle. Thirty-seven women (8.7%) got the implant removed. The major reason for removal (67.6%) was menstrual disturbances. Nine acceptors (18.59%) developed side effects, which were related to the type of symptoms often associated with steroid contraception. These findings are similar to those reported from other countries. The high efficacy (99.74%) and acceptability (continuation rate of 91.29%) as well as long acting (5 years) nature of norplant suggest that this method of contraception can safely be promoted in Pakistan.
authors.affiliation: Family Planning Association of Pakistan, Lahore.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Shamim
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Rehan
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Inayatullah
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D004343:Drug Implants; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000187:drug effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D010154:Pakistan; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
chemical_list: D004343:Drug Implants; D016912:Levonorgestrel