Year: 1993
Type: article
Abstract: The long acting depot levonorgestrel, Norplant, satisfies the needs of women whose needs include long term protection against pregnancy, ample birth spacing, avoiding significant side effects found with other contraceptives, and using a contraceptive which does not require self or partner participation and is independent of timing of intercourse. Hundreds of teenagers have used it, but no published information on its use in teenagers exists. In an outpatient clinic, physicians insert 6 flexible silastic capsules with levonorgestrel (Norplant) under the dermis of the underside of the upper arm. Norplant suppresses ovulation and makes cervical mucus impassable to sperm. Levonorgestrel has already been available to women in progestin-only and combined oral contraceptives, but the change in delivery method has made Norplant the most effective, reversible, long term contraceptive available. Since patient compliance is not needed, it prevents pregnancies for 5 years. Thus, Norplant may be the ideal contraceptive for teenagers, especially since they experience a significant number of unplanned pregnancies in the US. Despite the many advantages of Norplant, 80% of users suffer heavy, irregular bleeding. This side effect leads many women to discontinue Norplant use. A potential problem is reduced condom use with Norplant, resulting in an increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases, e.g., HIV and hepatitis B. There is concern about the possibility of parents or health care workers coercing teenagers to use Norplant. Another concern is the encouragement its use by targeted groups. Health care workers must ensure that coerciveness does not happen. Norplant should be added to the contraceptive menus for teenagers, but only they should choose their contraceptive.
Source: PubMed Central
Author: M Miller
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2218465730