The contraceptive use of Depo-Provera in U.S. 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.


OBJECTIVE
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.
Pinkston Koenigs
L M
LM
Department of Pediatrics, Baystate Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Springfield, MA, USA.
Miller
N H
NH
D000293:Adolescent; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003267:Contraception / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017277:Drug Approval; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate / Q000009:adverse effects; D015995:Prevalence; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States
D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate