Contraception with depot gestagens

Summary of contraceptive implants and injectable contraceptives.Review of the literature.Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague.Contraceptive implants and injectable contraceptives are systems based on continuous release of small dose of progestogen in the circulation. Active substances are depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate in the Depo-Provera injections and levonogestrel in Norplant implants. Mechanisms of action are: inhibition of ovulation, impermeability of cervical mucus and synchronisation of maturation of endometrial stroma and glands. Efficacy of both of the methods is very high. Recovery of fertility is immediately in after Norplant removal and in few months after discontinuation of Depo-Provera. Progesterone only contraception has only very few contraindications which are only relative. It is possible to use her by the women with contraindications of combined oral contraception. The main side effect is altered menstrual bleeding pattern.