Question

"Norplant" a subdermal implant consist of 6 silastic capsules containing :

• A. \( \text{Progestogen} \)
• B. \( \text{Oestrogen} \)
• C. \( \text{Levonorgestrel} \)
• D. \( \text{Mifepristone} \)

Hint:

\textbf{Obstetrics and Gynecology: Contraception.} Remember that long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) like subdermal implants are highly effective. Older systems like Norplant used levonorgestrel, and newer implants also primarily rely on progestins for contraception.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Norplant was a long-acting reversible contraceptive subdermal implant system. It consisted of six small, flexible silastic capsules that were surgically implanted under the skin of a woman's upper arm. These capsules released a synthetic progestin hormone called levonorgestrel over a period of five years. Levonorgestrel works primarily by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to inhibit sperm movement, and altering the uterine lining to prevent implantation. Let's briefly look at the other options: Progestogen: While levonorgestrel is a type of progestogen, the question asks for the specific hormone contained in Norplant. Oestrogen: Oestrogen is another primary female sex hormone, but Norplant relied solely on progestin for its contraceptive effect. Mifepristone: This is a synthetic steroid used as a medication to terminate early pregnancy. It is not used as a contraceptive implant. Therefore, the six silastic capsules in the Norplant subdermal implant contained levonorgestrel. It's worth noting that Norplant is no longer widely used and has been superseded by newer, single-rod implant systems that also release levonorgestrel or other progestins.