A multicentered clinical trial of the long-acting injectable contraceptive Depo Provera in Chinese women.
This study was an open trial where 1994 subjects each received Depo Provera injectable contraceptive every three months for one year and were observed a total of 20,294.3 woman months. At the time of observation, only one accidental pregnancy had occurred giving a use-effectiveness rate of 99.94% and a cumulative continuation rate of 72.87%. There were no significant adverse effects on weight and blood pressure. The main side effects were spotting, prolonged bleeding, and amenorrhea and these were also the main reasons of discontinuation. Complaints related to bleeding problems gradually decreased and complaints of amenorrhea increased with continued use. In lactating women, side effects occurrence rate was lower and continuation rate was higher in comparison with non-lactating women. Users did not report any effect on milk secretion. The results of this study confirm that Depo Provera is a very effective contraceptive method. With appropriate counseling and medical support, high acceptability and continuation rate can be achieved. Depo Provera is especially suitable for lactating women and could become a popular contraceptive method for lactating Chinese women.
Danli
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Institute of Family Planning Research, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China. imm.zj@mail.hz.zj.cn
Qingxiang
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Guowei
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001794:Blood Pressure; D001835:Body Weight; D002681:China; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007774:Lactation / Q000187:drug effects; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate / Q000009:adverse effects; D008599:Menstruation Disturbances; D011247:Pregnancy; D014626:Vaginal Smears
D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate