Ahhh, birth control! One of my favorite topics...
Norplant was pulled off the market several years ago.
Depo provera is a shot of progesterone a woman can get every three months.
Pros are that you don't take a pill every day, menses can cease
Cons are recent data showing bone density loss, having to go get shots and lots of spotting
IUDs: definitely still a treatment of choice. There are 2 kinds, the copper IUD (good for 10 years) and the Mirena (plastic with progesterone-good for 5 years)
Pros: have it placed and it lasts for years...no pills or shots to remember, the copper one has no hormones, so for women who want to avoid hormones it is a good choice. The Mirena has a small hormonal effect on the uterine lining, so that women frequently have light periods or no periods.
Cons: not appropriate for women who might be exposed to STDs.
Patch: same drugs as in combined oral contraceptives, just absorbed through a patch. Have to remember to change the patch once a week. Good birth control, if it doesn't fall off.
I think in my practice IUDs are probably the most popular, followed by the patch or pills. Depo is falling out of favor due to the bone loss concerns.
Anyway, women should choose a method in partnership with their midwife, doc, or other provider.
Jen