CONCEPTION CONTROL BY MONTHLY INJECTIONS OF MEDROXYPROGESTERONE SUSPENSION AND A LONG-ACTING OESTROGEN

104 women of proven fertility aged 19-42 were injected with medroxyprogesterone acetate (25 mg) in aqueous suspension (Depo-Provera) with 5 mg of estradiol cypionate (Depo-Estradiol) every 28 to 32 days for periods ranging from 4 to 15 months. Vaginal cytology was carried out in all patients at 6-month intervals. Endometrial biopsies were done on 72 patients. During the first 4 months endometrial proliferation and secretion were present. After 6 months endometrial hypoplasia was noted. No pregnancies occurred. Changes in menstrual pattern were reported but not other side effects were noted. Drop-out rate was 5% at the end of 9 months. About 50% of the patients gained weight while 15% lost weight. It is noted that in Brazil patients have greater confidence in injections than in orally administered medicines.