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Norplant and You
From Planned Parenthood Federation of America
1997
Six thin, rubbery implants are inserted under the skin of
the upper arm.
The soft capsules are about the size of a
cardboard matchstick. Each contains
a hormone
(levonorgestrel) like the progesterone made by a woman's ovaries.
A small amount of hormone is released constantly. The hormone keeps the ovaries from releasing eggs. It also thickens the cervical mucus, keeping sperm from joining with an egg. Some researchers believe that Norplant may also work by preventing a fertilized egg from attaching to the lining of the uterus. Norplant protects against pregnancy for five years.
- The implants release small amounts of hormone into the bloodstream.
- The bloodstream carries the hormone to the pituitary gland in the brain and to the uterus and cervix.
- Generally, the pituitary stops the ovaries from developing eggs.
- The hormone also keeps sperm outside the uterus by thickening the cervical mucus and thinning the lining of the uterus.
Written by: Jon Knowles, director of sexual health information
Planned Parenthood® Federation of America, Inc.
For a printed copy of this resource in pamphlet form, send $3 for postage and handling to:
Marketing Group, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, 810 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10019
© Revised version January 1997
Planned Parenthood® Federation of America, Inc.
© Copyright 1992 PPFA. All rights reserved.
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