ABSTRACT
Three hundred and seventy-five fertile healthy women were randomized in the ration of 2: 1 to the use of either norplant-2 covered rods or norplant six capsules, respectively. They were followed up for a period of one year. The one year continuation rate was 86.0 +/- 2.3/100 women in norplant-2 group and 87.2 +/- 3.0/100 women in norplant group. The commonest causes of discontinuation in both groups were menstrual bleeding problems. The use of both types of implants is commonly associated with menstrual disruption but women commonly bear them particularly if they were counseled as regards the possibility of their occurrence. On the whole, manifestation of reduced menstrual bleeding are commoner amongst NORPLANT-2 users than NORPLANT users during the first year of observation. The latter group showed higher incidence of manifestation of increased bleeding than the former group. No significant effect could be found on the body weight or hemoglobin concentration of the users of both implants at the end of the first year of use. NORPLANT-2 is well comparable to the original NORPLANT six capsules system as regards its efficacy, continuation rates and side effects. However, it is superior to NORPLANT in its easy and less expensive manufacture and easier insertion as well as removal procedures in addition to its effect in reducing menstrual blood loss