A comparison of the clinical performance, contraceptive efficacy, reversibility and acceptability of Norplant implants and Ortho Gynae T380 intrauterine copper contraceptive device.

In this comparative study, the five-year continuity rate of 53.7% in the Norplant implants group was comparable to that of 52.7% in the copper IUD group. The difference was not statistically significant. Only one accidental pregnancy occurred during the five years of copper IUD use. Desire for future pregnancy was the main reason for removal in the Norplant implants group (35.9%) while expulsion of the IUD (13.2%) was the main reason for removal of the copper IUD. Menstrual disturbance was not a major side-effect in either group. The post-removal conception rates of 78.6% in the Norplant implants group and 75.0% in the copper IUD were good and comparable. Both the Norplant implants and copper IUD are acceptable and effective contraceptive methods in Singapore.