Norplant: reasons for discontinuation and side-effects
Rehan, N.; Inayatullah, A.; Chaudhary, I.
European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care the Official Journal of the European Society of Contraception 5(2): 113-118
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 1362-5187 PMID: 10943573 DOI: 10.1080/13625180008500390Document Number: 263298
To study the side-effects and reasons for the discontinuation of Norplant. The study was based on the analysis of the medical records of 265 Norplant users, who obtained Norplant from two clinics of the Family Planning Association of Pakistan and who were followed for 5 years. The most common reason (29.4%) for the discontinuation of Norplant was menstrual disturbances, followed by medical problems (4.1%), desire for more children (3.1%) and family problems (3.1%). The major side-effects were weight gain, breast tenderness, headache and dizziness. Only 7.7% of users mentioned any change in sexual behavior and 69.6% of the complaints leading to Norplant removal developed within 6 months of insertion. The extent and nature of the side-effects experienced by Pakistani women using Norplant are similar and comparable to those reported from other countries.