Ovulation detection following removal of levonorgestrel subdermal contraceptive implants

Abstract

The time to resumption of ovulation following the discontinuation of levonorgestrel subdermal implants (Norplant R ∗ ∗ Norplant ®: Is the registered trademark of the Population Council's contraceptive subdermal implants. They are manufactured by Huhtamaki Oy/Leiras Pharmaceuticals, Finland, under license from the Population Council. ) was assessed in 10 women. A blood sample (2 ml) was taken at the time of Norplant R removal and then twice weekly until the first evidence of ovulation (serum progesterone concentration ⩾ 5 ng/ml) was documented. Ovulation was resumed in 80% of the cases by 3 weeks and in all the cases by 7 weeks. Prompt return of ovulation following Norplant R removal is an additional advantage of this mode of long-acting contraception.