Depot-medroxy progesterone acetate as an effective contraception method in lactating mothers

Abstract

Background: Contraception is the deliberate use of artificial methods or other techniques to prevent pregnancy as a consequence of sexual intercourse. Depot medroxy progesterone (DMPA) injection 150 mg intramuscular was used for contraception in this study, once every 3 months±14 days. The objective was to establish safety and effectiveness of DMPA in lactating and non-lactating mothers, observe side effects related to usage of DMPA and also establish its effectiveness as contraception method.Methods: This is retrospective study performed at Family Planning Association of India’s Kutumb Sudhar Kendra. Mumbai Central.Result: Patients who had received first dose at 6 weeks of postpartum period and those who received between 6 weeks to one year showed lactation in 84.16% and non-lactation in 15.84%. 28.71% lactating patients had taken injection at 6 weeks of post-partum period and 71.29% had taken between 6 weeks to 1 year. Lactating patients who had taken injection at 6 weeks and continued DMPA for more than 4 injections were 48.27%. 36.84% non-lactating patients had continued for more than 4 injections. This signifies that acceptance and continuation rate of DMPA is more in lactating patients than in non-lactating patients.Conclusions: DMPA is an effective method of contraception in lactating mothers; proper counseling will increase awareness and acceptance of DMPA in lactating mothers.