Norplant Insertion or Removal: HSA Eligibility

What are Norplant insertion and removal?

Norplant is the brand name for an implant containing the hormone levonorgestrel. This implant is used in contraception for women by releasing levonorgestrel, a progestin which is also used in several varieties of birth control. Norplant has been succeeded by Norplant-II, also known by the brand name Jadelle, which uses a different configuration of silicone rods that are implanted beneath the skin. The newer configuration of Norplant uses fewer silicone rods (MedicineNet.com).

Norplant introduces hormones that work similarly to birth control pills, and they make pregnancy nearly impossible (0.05% failure rate).

Norplant is inserted in the arm beneath the skin via incision. Norplant lasts about 5 years and can be removed at any time. Norplant insertions usually require a 90 day followup with a physician to verify health and side effects. Norplant can be removed at any time if pregnancy is desired or if side effects become intolerable. Norplant does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (National Center for Biotechnology Information).

Norplant prevents ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, and thins the lining of the uterus. By preventing ovulation, Norplant makes the fertilization of an egg impossible. By thickening cervical mucus, Norplant increases the difficulty faced by sperm attempting to enter the uterus. By thinning the lining of the uterus, Norplant makes it more difficult for a fertilized egg to implant on the uterine wall. As a result of these three effects, Norplant is one of the most effective forms of birth control.

Norplant insertion and removal can happen in a physician's office, and involves making a small cut on the interior of the upper arm in order to insert or removal the small silicon rods which contain hormones. The expenses associated with Norplant insertion and removal are eligible for reimbursement with a consumer-directed healthcare account.