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Abstract
The objective of this study was to test the influence of NORPLANTR∗ implants upon lactation and infant growth. The results obtained during the first
postpartum year are reported. One-hundred women were enrolled in the implant group.
The control group was formed by 100 women who received a Copper T IUD. Treatments
were administered at day 55 ± 3. At admission all subjects were in exclusive breastfeeding
with an adequate weight increase of the infant. No significant differences were found
between the treated and control groups in the percentage of women in full nursing
at different postpartum intervals, except for the 12th month postpartum where a lower
percentage of cases from the NORPLANTR group was in the full nursing category. No difference was found in the time of weaning.
The infants showed a normal weight gain rate in both groups although the girls from
the NORPLANTR group showed a significantly lower daily weight increase during the 4th month than
the girls from the IUD group. No pregnancies were diagnosed. No women asked for implant
removal during the first year. No serious side effects related to treatment were detected.
Bleeding irregularities were rare during breastfeeding which is in contrast with what
occurs in non-nursing women treated with NORPLANTR implants. Levonorgestrel concentrations found in milk were variable and individual
values ranged from 23 to 311 pg/ml. The dose received by the infant can be estimated
around 15 to 18 ng/Kg/day during the first month of treatment when the higher plasma
values of levonorges trel are observed. These levels in conjunction with the clinical
observations reported here minimize the potential problems associated with levonorgestrel
transference through maternal milk. Nevertheless, long-term studies are required to
settle this matter and until more information is available, NORPLANTR implant use in lactating women should be limited to cases who require a highly effective
contraceptive method and where non-hormonal methods of similar effectiveness are contraindicated
or unacceptable.
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
July 19,
1985
Received:
June 11,
1985
Identification
Copyright
© 1985 Published by Elsevier Inc.
