ABSTRACT
A total of 110 implants and 100 IUD adopters were followed up for one year at 3-month interval visits. Data were collected using interview questionnaires, menstrual diary cards, clinical examination and investigations including cervical Pap smear and hemoglobin concentration. Results indicated that the subdermal implants system was as frequently requested and acceptable by women as the well known IUD. The net cumulative continuation rate of implants was higher than that of the IUD at the end of the first year of use [95.4/100 women vs 88.4/100]. More than three-fourths of implants users and 83.33% of IUD continuers perceived no general health problems due to the method used. About 70% of continuers in both groups perceived no significant or intolerant change in their menstrual pattern. Headaches and weight gain were the most common nonmenstrual hormone related complaints among the implants users. Low backaches and lower abdominal pains were the most frequently reported side effects among the IUD group. At the end of the first year of use, about 93% on Norplant and IUD continuers were highly satisfied with their adopted method attributing their satisfaction mainly to the method effectiveness