Glossary / Lexicon

Norplant refers to a hormonal method of birth control using doses that are implanted in a woman’s arm and that can remain in place for up to five (5) years.

Norplant is a form of long-acting reversible contraception that was developed in the 1980s. It consists of small, flexible rods that are inserted under the skin of a woman's upper arm, where they release a synthetic form of the hormone progestin. Norplant is effective at preventing pregnancy for up to five years, and can be removed at any time if a woman wishes to become pregnant.

Examples of Norplant use in the psychology context include:

1. Family planning: Norplant is often used by women who wish to delay or prevent pregnancy, as it is a highly effective form of contraception. It is particularly useful for women who may have difficulty remembering to take a daily pill or use other forms of contraception consistently.

2. Women's health: Norplant can also have health benefits for some women, such as reducing menstrual cramps or heavy bleeding. However, it may also have side effects such as headaches, weight gain, or changes in mood or libido.

3. Reproductive rights: Norplant has been the subject of controversy and debate in the realm of reproductive rights, as some critics argue that it has been used coercively in certain contexts. For example, in the 1990s, the government of Indonesia began a campaign to provide Norplant to poor women, some of whom claimed that they were pressured into accepting the contraceptive without fully understanding the potential side effects or alternatives.

In psychology, the use of Norplant can be studied in the context of reproductive decision-making and women's health. Research has examined factors that influence women's decisions to use or discontinue Norplant, as well as the impact of hormonal contraception on mood, sexuality, and overall well-being.