Current status of injectable hormonal contraception, with special reference to the monthly method

Injectable contraceptives are a valid option in every family planning program. Contraceptives which are administered every 2 or 3 months, containing only progestogen agents (DepoProvera, Noristerat) have proven efficacious and do not show long-term safety problems. They differ from other contraceptives in their long lasting action and by not presenting the contraindications of the estrogens. Their most prominent side-effect is the irregularity of cyclic bleeding. Although bleeding irregularities are not life threatening, many users stop the treatment for that reason. Monthly contraceptives comprising progestogens and estrogens, maintain or improve the high efficacy of the earlier forms and have the added benefit of allowing bleeding to resemble the physiologic one. This increases acceptability and the continuation rate. There is no long-term inconvenience. At this point, the greatest experience is with the formulation known as Topasel or Perlutal. Other formulations (Cyclofem, Mesigyna) are beginning to be commercialized and their characteristics must still be confirmed through daily use. Indications, contraindications, precautions and warnings for the use of monthly injectable contraceptives are basically identical to those of the combined oral contraceptives, as are the side-effects. Efficacy, though, proves to be superior, which can be correlated to a simpler method of use and less risk of error when using it. Main motivation factors are: efficacy, simplicity in usage, reversibility and confidentiality.