Norplant® Utilization in a Latina Inner-City Population

This study was a consecutive-case series of 138 Latinas (age 16 to 36) who received levonorgestrel implants (Norplant¯) in a community health center between September 1, 1992, and December 31, 1994, and were observed through September 30, 1997. Continuation rate at one year was 70 percent, and 43, 28, and 22 percent at two, three, and four years, respectively. Average observation time was 32 months. Most frequent reasons for removal were excessive bleeding (34 percent), weight gain (26 percent), hair loss (16 percent), amenorrhea (13 percent), desire for pregnancy (11 percent), and headaches (9 percent). Five women discontinued due to fear of ill effects, four to undergo sterilization. No pregnancies occurred while using the method. Norplant is an effective contraceptive for inner-city Latinas; removal rate was higher than in previous reports. Side effects or fear of side effects led to removal in more than half the patients by two years' use.