THE CONTRACEPTIVE USE OF DEPO-PROVERA IN UNITED-STATES ADOLESCENTS

Little is known about the use of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera, DMPA) in U.S. adolescents before the FDA approved its usage for contraception in 1992. Purpose: To determine the experience with DMPA use in adolescents for contraception in the United States. Methods: A questionnaire survey was sent to U.S. physicians identified as adolescent health care providers. Results: DMPA had been prescribed by 41% of surveyed physicians who prescribe contraception for adolescents. Eighty-five percent of patients continued use beyond nine months and 40% continued beyond 21 months. Sixty-seven percent of physician/respondents reported using DMPA in mentally retarded patients. Conclusions: Many providers used DMPA for contraception in adolescents prior to its FDA approval for contraception. DMPA has a high rate of continuation of use as a contraception in adolescents.