Isn't it annoying to leave your lovemaking cycle in the hands of that all-powerful oral contraceptive? If yes, chuck the pellet and opt for easy injectable alternatives that set you free from the pill-popping routine
Isn't it annoying to leave your lovemaking cycle in the hands of that all-powerful oral contraceptive? If yes, chuck the pellet and opt for easy injectable alternatives that set you free from the pill-popping routine
Whether you are looking at family spacing or just want to play it safe, there's something that'll help you stay away from worry and the tedious pill routine u2014Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA), which is a safe and effective injectable contraceptive. DMPA is currently being used by around 1.2 crore women across 106 countries. Read on as we analyse the method that's far simpler than the name suggests!
Full faayda
DMPA is one of the most widely tested drugs in the world and has been approved by the Drugs Controller of India board after 40 years of research for safety. Apart from the obvious benefit of preventing childbirth, this injectable contraceptive aids in checking iron deficiency and reducing the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer. Its usage also averts the growth of tumours on the muscle layers of uterus. The good part is that there is no rest period required, and it can be taken continuously for years, with no ill-effects on fertility. Plus, it's totally reversible u2014fertility returns 8-12 months after stopping the injections.
Fool proofu00a0
It has a success rate of 99.7 per cent. One injection provides safety from pregnancy for three months, which means no daily intake ka jhanjhat!
Not without a doc
DMPA should only be taken on the gynae's prescription. It is not an over-the-counter product, and pre and post counseling is an inherent part of the process. Counseling will help you understand the bodily changes that occur with its usage. A user of DMPA is administered under the guidance of a doctor at three-monthly intervals.
Side effects
Some women may experience irregular bleeding and spotting in the first six months of using DMPA, but this is not harmful and stops with continued usage.
Several users of DMPA experience amenorrhoea (stopping of menses) after their fifth or sixth dose, due to the progesterone effect. As ovulation does not occur, there is no build-up of menstrual blood. It is the same condition that occurs during pregnancy and hence, is no cause to press the panic button. The International Centre for Evidence Based Medicine conducted a study of women using DMPA for up to 48 months, which showed no significant adverse effect on return to fertility in terms of pregnancy rates. So, no causes for anxiety!
DMPA is safe if youu2026
Fall in the age group of 18-45
Are breastfeeding (since 6 weeks after childbirth)
Have no children
Are over or underweight
Have just had an abortion or miscarriage
Suffer from irregular menstrual periods
Experience mild high blood pressure
Have iron deficiency anaemia
Fast Facts
Intake quantity:
One dose of DMPA (150mg) in the upper arm or buttock once in three months.
If late for next doseu2026
Use condoms till the next injection. Go back to the doc, no matter how long the delay. He/she will determine whether you're pregnant, and if not, you're safe for the next dosage
Indian brands that market DMPA
Pfizer and DKT
Cost of freedom: Rs 100
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
