Contraception with levonorgestrel-releasing subdermal capsules, Norplant TM, after pregnancy termination

Abstract

Six Silastic levonorgestrel-releasing capsules, Norplant TM, were introduced subcutaneously into the ventral aspect of the left forearm or upper arm of thirty-eight patients immediately after first trimester pregnancy termination. In the control group, a Nova-T device was inserted immediately after pregnancy termination in thirty patients. Clinical examination was performed after three, six and twelve months of use. The continuation of the Norplant TM at one year was 91.7 per cent and that of the Nova-T 73.9 per cent. No pregnancies occurred during the study period of one year. Hemoglobin concentrations and the diastolic blood pressures of the Norplant TM users increased significantly. Dysmenorrhea and menstrual flow increased in the IUD group. Menstrual disturbances were the main side effects in the Norplant TM group during the first five months of use.