Publication:

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

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.