Efficacy and side effects of Norplant use in Thai women above the age of 35 years.

A prospective study of Norplant implant use in women aged above 35 years was conducted in Bangkok, Thailand. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the efficacy, menstrual patterns, and side effects of Norplant use in these women. A total of 100 women were recruited in a 1-year clinical study. Their mean age was 39.7 years. Most acceptors had completed secondary school. No accidental pregnancy occurred throughout the 1 year of use in this study. The most common menstrual pattern in these acceptors was amenorrhea followed by irregular bleeding. The major side effect was irregular bleeding. There was no significant change in systolic and diastolic blood pressure during the 1 year follow-up period. Thus, Norplant implant use in older women is a safe and effective contraceptive method. This should become another choice for contraception in women aged above 35 years who have contraindications for oral contraceptive use.