Long-term contraception with Depo-Provera: a clinical evaluation

Depo-Provera has been used as a long-acting injectable contraceptive. The results of the study carried out for more than 2 years indicate that the depot formulation of medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA, Depo-Provera) at a dose of 150 mg at 90-day intervals appears to be acceptable to some women of this part of India, though many of them experience menstrual problems. However, irregular and/or excessive menstrual bleeding diminishes with long-term use of the contraceptive and a high percentage of users become amenorrheic. No major adverse reactions were observed and the minor side effects are comparable to those reported for the oral contraceptives. There was a tendency for weight-gain by the patients and the endometrium became atrophic or "resting" with the prolongation of the therapy.