The Development of NORPLANT Implants

Abstract

The NORPLANT contraceptive implant system is long-acting and highly effective. A single visit to the clinic for subdermal placement of implants can provide protection from pregnancy for 5 years or longer. Research and development began in 1966 at the Population Councils laboratories and was completed by the Councils International Committee for Contraception Research (ICCR). The method is a product of international science; research groups in Asia North and South America the Caribbean basin and Europe participated. The development of NORPLANT illustrates successful cooperation between private industry and a publicly supported research organization in contraceptive research. The NORPLANT system is a low dose progestin only contraceptive method for women. The drug levonorgestrel is delivered by means of 6 silastic capsules implanted subdermally in the arm by a minor surgical technique. Effectiveness is achieved by the steady release of the progestin from the interior of the capsules through silastic into the blood. Contraceptive effectiveness and continuation rates are 2 important factors used to evaluate a method to regulate fertility. On these measures the NORPLANT system has proved to be superior to any method of reversible contraception. Its high degree of effectiveness long-acting feature and estrogen-free composition may have special appeal to women seeking contraception during lactation to older women for whom pills containing estrogen may be contraindicated and to women seeking hormonal contraception who for logistical or motivational reasons are unsuccessful in using oral or injectable contraceptives over an extended period of time. The NORPLANT contraceptive implant system can be considered a truly reversible sterilization or a reliable method for birth spacing. It will be an important addition to the array of methods offered by family planning programs in the years ahead.