Experiences of Women with Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate: A Qualitative Study

Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), an injectable birth control method, was approved for contraceptive use in 1992. While DMPA is a relatively safe and convenient form of contraception, available research suggests that discontinuation rates are high. While quantitative surveys of DMPA users have provided useful information about their demographic characteristics and frequency of side effects, the patient's subjective experience with DMPA has not been examined. The current study employed qualitative research methods and included in-depth interviews with women currently receiving DMPA. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed for thematic consistency using an ethnographic framework. Results indicated that while DMPA users appreciated the convenience of an injectable contraceptive every three months, many were distressed by side effects with weight gain and menstrual irregularity being a particular concern. It is likely that these symptoms play a significant role in the reported high rates of DMPA discontinuation. Improved patient education about these issues may improve DMPA continuation rates.