Whether you are looking at family planning or just want to play it safe, there's something that'll help you stay away from the worrisome pill routine. Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA), a safe and effective injectable contraceptive used by around 1.2 crore women across 106 countries, is looking at revolutionising the process of contraception in India. Read on as we analyse the method that's far simpler than what the name
suggests!

Total faayda
DMPA is one of the most widely tested drugs in the world and has been approved by the Drugs Controller of India. Over 40 years of research vouch for its safety. Apart from the obvious benefit of preventing childbirth, this injectable contraceptive aids in checking iron deficiency and reducing the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer. Its usage also averts the growth of tumours on the muscle layers of uterus. The good part is that there is no rest period required, and it can be taken continuously for years, with no ill-effects on fertility. Plus, it's totally reversible fertility returns in eight to 12 months after the use of injections has been stopped.

Fool proof 
It has a success rate of 99.7 per cent. One injection provides safety from pregnancy for three months, which means no daily intake ka jhanjhat!

Not without a doc
DMPA, however, should only be taken on
the gynae's prescription. It is not an over-the-counter product, and pre and post counselling is an inherent part of the process. Counselling will help you
understand the bodily changes that occur with its usage. A user of DMPA is
administered under the guidance of a doctor at three-monthly intervals.

Side effects
Some women may experience irregular bleeding and spotting in the first six months of using DMPA, but this is not harmful and stops with continued usage. Several users of DMPA experience amenorrhoea (stopping of menses) after their fifth or sixth dose, due to the progesterone effect. As ovulation does not occur, there is no build-up of menstrual blood. It is the same condition that occurs during pregnancy and hence, is no cause to press the panic button. The International Centre for Evidence Based Medicine conducted a study of women using DMPA for up to 48 months, which showed no significant adverse effect on return to fertility in terms of pregnancy rates. So, no causes for anxiety!

Fast Facts
> Intake quantity: One dose of DMPA (150 mg) in the upper arm or buttock once in three months.
> If late for next dose, use condoms till the next injection. Go back to the doc, no matter how long the delay. He/she will determine whether you're pregnant, and if not, you're safe for the next dosage
> Indian brands that market DMPA are Pfizer and DKT

In general, DMPA can be used by women who: 
> Fall in the age group of 18-45 
> Are breastfeeding (since six weeks after childbirth) 
> Are over or underweight
> Have just had an abortion or miscarriage 
> Suffer from irregular menstrual periods
> Experience mild high blood pressure
> Have iron deficiency anaemia
The 150 mg vial is available for Rs 100