A better future for injectable contraception?

Figures & Tables

TABLE. Advantages and Disadvantages of Current Intramuscular DMPA Injectable

Advantages	Disadvantages
• Highly effective	• Bleeding side effects
• Coitally independent	• Weight gain^a
• Possible to use without partner's knowledge	• Reduced bone density (temporary)
• Lasts a full 3 months	• Not advised during early breastfeeding by WHO
• 1-month grace period for reinjection	• Delayed return to fertility
• Safe and suitable for nearly all women	• Higher initial blood dosage than needed for efficacy
• Relatively low cost	• Requires repeated visits
• Easy for providers	• System burden (eg, supply chain, staff time)
• Somewhat easy and convenient for clients	• Provider bias (eg, reluctance to offer it to young women)
• Amenable to community-based distribution	• Poor continuation
	• Implicated for possible increased HIV risk