Norplant contraception in the University Of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Enugu: A six year review (1992-1997)

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate our experience with Norplant implant in UNTH Enugu. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was carried out between January 1992 and December 1997. During this period, 3615 new clients accepted various contraceptive methods at UNTH Enugu. Two hundred and four of these chose Norplant. One hundred and ninety cases with complete records were analysed with respect to age, parity, educational status, complications associated with insertion and removal of norplant, side effects and reasons for removal of implants, duration of use before removal and failure of method. Results: Completed family size (50.5%) was the commonest reason for seeking family planning and majority of the clients were grand-multiparous women (67.9%). The mean age and parity were 31.7 years and 5.5 respectively. Formal education was recorded in 73.1% and health workers were the commonest source of information about norplant (58.9%). Complications occured in 4.7% of cases and consisted of post-insertion pain, infection, and dermatitis. Menstrual disturbances are the commonest side effects with menorrhagia being the most frequent reason for discontinuation. One client got pregnant with the Norplant in situ giving a failure rate of 0.5% Conclusion: Narplant implant system has come to stay as an effective, low risk hormonal contraceptive. Increasing cost and non-availability may hinder further progress in norplant acceptance.

Keywords

• norplant contraception
• acceptance
• complications