Norplant removals vital to quality care
Barnett, B.
Network 15(4): 21-25
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0270-3637 PMID: 12289830 Document Number: 279150
Norplant, implanted under the skin of a woman's forearm, provides highly effective long-term contraception, without compliance required of the user. At the end of a five-year period, however, or sooner if the woman desires, the implants must be removed. Ensuring access to safe, easy, and affordable removal is an element of good quality care which begins before the device is inserted. The two concerns with removal are counseling for clients and provider technique. Counseling clients about when and how to obtain removals is crucial. With regard to technique, staff must be properly trained, since removals are more difficult when insertions have been poorly performed. The author discusses the Norplant's long duration and few side effects, five-year removal, early removal, removal techniques, and Norplant costs.