title: Tolerability and reasons for discontinuation of Norplant in an inner city population.
abstract: We carried out a retrospective analysis of the continuation rates of 142 Norplant acceptors. Follow-up data was available on 110. We assessed the relative impact of side effects on discontinuation. No serious complications (immediate or late) were observed during the 3-year study period and no pregnancies occurred. The 3-year continuation rate was 88%. The commonest reported side effect was cycle disruption (64% of users). However this only accounted for 31% of discontinuations. This we attribute to thorough counselling about menstrual disruption. On the other hand androgenic side effects accounted for 12% of discontinuations but were experienced by 10% of users-perhaps because some users did not expect them. We conclude that Norplant is highly acceptable when offered with specialist counselling and support. Non-bleeding side effects accounted for relatively higher discontinuations and may need to be emphasised in counselling. A dedicated service enhanced acceptability.
authors.affiliation: Moffat Family Planning Clinic, West Lambeth, London, UK.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Erskine
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Shinewi
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pollard
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kubba