Physicians' Experience with Norplant® Implantable Contraceptives in Finland

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Abstract
Norplant® contraceptives are manufactured in Finland, but the majority of Norplant® users live in the Third World. The objective of this study was to study Finnish family planning physicians' experience with and attitudes towards Norplant® contraceptives. Three data sources were used: (1) review of articles published in non-commercial Finnish medical journals between 1980 and 1990, (2) a sample of eleven physicians known to have experience with Norplant® and chosen by a snow-ball method, and (3) a random sample of 22 physicians in charge of public family planning services stratified by municipality and degree of urbanization. The articles reflected a positive attitude towards Norplant®, but the authors did not believe that Norplant® should replace any previous method of contraception. In the random sample the amount of experience with Norplant® was low. In both groups the general attitude towards Norplant® was reserved. It was not used as a method of first choice, but was considered a good method for carefully selected women. Norplant® was considered troublesome for the physician, requiring surgical procedures, producing side-effects and demanding time for counselling. Adequate use of Norplant® calls for a good health care infrastructure, hygienic facilities and trained personnel. These are often lacking in Third World settings.

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