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Norplant implants are one of the long acting contraceptive methods. It includes consist of six matchstick-sized plastic capsules, which are inserted under the skin of your upper arm by a trained health care provider. They make a very small cut on your upper arm in order to place the same. The Norplant implants can stay there under the skin for up to five years. After five years, you need to have replaced the same with new capsules. However, if you feel discomfort, you can easily get it removed at any given time.

Function After being planted, the Norplant implants start working within 24 hours. It releases a progestin hormone that keeps the ovaries from releasing eggs. At the same time, it also thickens the cervical mucus, due to which, it becomes difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. This way, it effectively prevents any chances of pregnancy.

Effectiveness Norplant implants are one of the most effective contraceptive methods. As per the reports, the effectiveness rate of this contraceptive method is more than 99%. This means that with its perfect or typical use, less than one woman out of 100 will become pregnant.

Side Effects Though the Norplant Implants are extremely effective and safe method yet there are certain side effects that you might face after the insertion of the capsules. Let me point out a few of them.

Spotting between your menstrual period
Longer or heavier bleeding during your periods
Irregular intervals between your periods
Sometimes, you may have no periods at all, but it does not mean you are pregnant.
Other side effects may include Headaches, Nausea, weight changes, breast tenderness, etc.

The good thing is that none of these side effects are harmful to your health, but in case, you find these symptoms, you must consult your health care provider or facility.

Benefits There are ample benefits of using Norplant Implants. Some of them are listed below.

It can effectively prevent the pregnancy for up to five years.
The best thing is that they are not linked to sexual intercourse.
They are quite safe even for the breastfeeding mothers and their babies.
It does not require any special daily attention.

Things to Consider Since it requires a small cut in the upper arm, it is likely to leave a scar. Also, make sure that you have the Norplant Implants inserted or removed by a trained health care provider only. Again, although you can get it removed anytime, but after the duration of five years, it is a must to get it removed because by then it does not remain effective at all and does not prevent pregnancy. If you want to continue birth control, you should get the same replaced with a new one. Also, keep in mind that these implants are supposed to work for birth control only, and they do not provide protection against HIV infection or other sexually transmitted infections.

Overall, there are a number of factors that you should consider before deciding whether Norplant implants is right for you.