Perceptions and satisfaction among Norplant users in Finland.

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to assess users' perceptions of and satisfaction with the Norplant contraceptive implant.

METHODS

A questionnaire was mailed to all women having had Norplant inserted one or two years before the study initiation in seven public out-patient family-planning clinics in the capital area of Finland, of whom 82% responded (n = 207).

RESULTS

Practically all women (97%) had experienced some side-effects and 72% considered at least one of them to be disruptive. Of these side-effects, bleeding irregularities proved most often bothersome during the first 6 months of use, but depression and nervousness were relatively more important reasons for early removal. Regardless of the ubiquity of side-effects, 78% were satisfied with Norplant. High satisfaction was common especially among older users with their second set of capsules. Dissatisfaction with the method was best explained by the experience of unexpected and disruptive side-effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that mental problems related to Norplant use have received too little attention and that satisfaction is highest in carefully selected users among older women.