OBJECTIVE

Norplant is a long lasting contraceptive method which protect again pregnancy for five years. We studied the side effects and the variations related to weight and blood pressure.

METHODS

The study was carried out in three family planning clinics in Dakar with 450 women who have had their implants for at least six months. Data collection was based on patient interviews and review of medical files.

RESULTS

The side effects reported were mainly menstrual problems with 54.7% of the women reporting menstrual spotting. The other non-menstruel side effects were headaches (64.2%) and dizziness (59.1%). The side effects at the insertion site were pruritus (16%) and pain (3.1%). Regarding weight and blood pressure, an increase in weight was observed up to three years of Norplant use and a decrease to the initial weight was seen during the fifth year of use. No variation was noted regarding blood pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

Norplant is a contraceptive method widely used in Senegal. Most of the side effects involve menstrual problems. A slight increase of weight was observed in general with no variation in blood pressure.