Norplant

Norplant is a birth control method that requires the surgical insertion of six flexible rods into the arm. The rods contain a chemical called levonorgestrel, a man-made hormone. This chemical is slowly released into the woman's body. One insertion of six rods will last for up to five years.

This man-made hormone has been a part of the chemical formulation of the birth control pill for years.

How does Norplant work?

• It can prevent ovulation.
• It can cause the mucus in the cervix to change so that if sperm reach the cervix, they are not allowed to enter.
• It can irritate the lining of the uterus so that if either of the above fail and a pregnancy does occur, the embryo cannot actually implant into the lining of the uterus.

What are the side effects?

• discomfort in the area of the arm where the rods are surgically implanted

• difficulty in removing the rods

• increased bleeding and spotting associated with the period and sometimes in between

• changes in blood pressure

• risk of heart attack

• blood clotting

• ovarian cysts

• headaches

• increased body weight

• mood swings

• blindness

More than 40 class-action lawsuits have been filed against Wyeth-Ayerst, the company that manufactures Norplant. The women bringing these lawsuits are women who have suffered side effects.

Resource: American Life League