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Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate

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The Handbook of Contraception

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Abstract

Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is an injectable progestin-only contraceptive administered every 13 weeks. DMPA is an extremely effective contraceptive agent when used consistently. With typical use, approximately 6 out of 100 women will become pregnant in the first year of use, reflecting that some users do not return for repeat injections. DMPA is reversible and can be used by women of all ages; however, there is a delayed return to fertility after discontinuation (median duration 10 months). There are few contraindications to DMPA use and it can be used in postpartum and breastfeeding women. Noncontraceptive benefits of DMPA include treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding, dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, and a decreased risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer.

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Correspondence to Deanna C. McCullough .

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McCullough, D.C., Eraso, K.M., Kaunitz, A.M. (2020). Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate. In: Shoupe, D. (eds) The Handbook of Contraception. Current Clinical Practice. Humana, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-46391-5_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-46391-5_6

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