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Norplant

Norplant was a levenorgestrel implant (a progestin) that prevented pregnancy.  It was discontinued in 2002.

If you have a Norplant implant, however, you can leave it in.  It needs to be removed seven years after it was put it.  This is lowered to five years for overweight women.  You should have Norplant removed because it will continue to cause menstrual irregularities if you leave it in.

By 2009, nobody will have Norplant anymore.

Norplant is six thin plastic tubes, each the size of a matchstick.  They are inserted into your arm just above your elbow.  It takes fifteen minutes to insert them and thirty minutes for removal.  This can all be done with a topical anaesthetic.

If you have a Norplant implant, you might have to get it removed early if you have any of the following signs: severe stomach/abdominal pain, unusually long or heavy periods, a lump in your breast, migraines or severe headaches.

You will also have to see a professional if you have pus, bleeding, or increasing redness or pain at the site of insertion, or if one of your capsules comes out.  Arm pain is also a sign that you need to see your doctor.