Depo-Provera use in an Australian metropolitan practice

Area of Science:

• Gynaecology
• Reproductive Health
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is a long-acting injectable contraceptive.
• Its use and patient experience in Australia have not been extensively documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the characteristics and experience of Australian women treated with DMPA.
• To assess DMPA's efficacy, acceptability, and side effect profile in a Melbourne gynaecological practice.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of clinical data.
• Analysis of 363 women receiving 2298 DMPA injections over 20 years.

Main Results:

• DMPA primarily used for contraception, with 20% for medical indications like endometriosis.
• No pregnancies occurred within three months of injection; high acceptability noted (mean 6.3 injections/subject).
• Median delay in fertility return was 9.2 months; infrequent side effects, with menstrual disturbances causing 7.3% discontinuations.

Conclusions:

• DMPA is a viable contraceptive choice for Australian women.
• Unbiased information on global DMPA experience should be disseminated to Australian practitioners.