Injectable contraception - New and existing options

The 3-month injectable depomedroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) and the monthly injectable Lunelle (MPA/E2C) offer women safe, effective, and convenient reversible birth control choices. Patients using DMPA usually experience amenorrhea and a delayed return of fertility whereas patients using MPA/E2C generally have regular cycles and a rapid return of fertility. Lactating women and others in whom contraceptive doses of estrogen are contraindicated can use progestin-only DMPA. For women who dislike daily pill taking, prefer regular cycles to amenorrhea, find monthly injections acceptable, and prefer a short-acting contraceptive, MPA/E2C is appealing. The more innovations clinicians, family planning agencies, and insurers can make to facilitate access to care (including reinjections), the more women will choose to use these reversible methods of contraception.