Norplant

Norplant is a progestin-only contraceptive implant that consists of six rods inserted into the upper arm of the client to five to seven years of protection (see figure above). Its effectiveness decreases from five years onwards so women are advised to have it removed five years after insertion. It was the first implant to be introduced (25 years ago), and its manufacture was phased out in 2004. Although it is no longer available, it is important for you to know about it, so that you can advise those who have had Norplant implants inserted previously.