Objective: To evaluate experience with the use of subcutaneous Norplant contraceptives. Design: Retrospective clinical study. Setting: Department Gynaecological and Obstetric Out-patient dept. LEVRET Ltd. Terronská 61, Prague 6. Methods: Between March 1995 and June 2000 Norplant was introduced to 112 women. Of these 75 still attend our ambulatory department. The reliability, proceeding with the method and inciden- ce of side-effects which were the reason for premature extraction were investigated. Results: One pregnancy occurred (55 months after insertion), the Pearl index is 0.0046 (during the last two years 0.0628). 80.3% women continued with the method for more than one year, 78.6% more than 2 years, 76.7% more than 3 years and 61.6% more than 4 years. 24% of the women used or use temporarily additional therapy of irregular bleeding (norsteroids or an oestrogestagen combination. 14 women (19%) had an early extraction on their own request. The most frequent reason was haemorrhage (6x). Conclusion: Norplant is a highly reliable contraceptive method used by a large percentage of women on a long-term basis. The most frequent side-effect is irregular bleeding which however can be controlled in the majority by temporary administration of norsteroids or oestro-gestagen preparations.

        Key words: Norplant