Side Effects, Health Benefits, and Health Risks
Side Effects (see Managing Any Problems)
Most users report some changes in monthly bleeding. †
- Typically these include, with DMPA:
First 3 months:- Irregular bleeding
- Prolonged bleeding
At one year:
- No monthly bleeding
- Infrequent bleeding
- Irregular bleeding
- NET-EN affects bleeding patterns less than DMPA. NET-EN users have fewer
days of bleeding in the first 6 months and are less likely than DMPA users to have no monthly bleeding after one year.
Bleeding changes are normal and not harmful. If a woman finds them bothersome, counseling and support can help. |
Some users report the following:
- Weight gain (see Question 5)
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Abdominal bloating and discomfort
- Mood changes
- Less sex drive
Other possible physical changes:
- Loss of bone density (see Question 11)
NET-EN may offer many of the same health benefits as DMPA, but this list of benefits includes only those for which there is available research evidence.
DMPA for Subcutaneous Injection |
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DMPA is now available in a special formulation, called DMPA-SC, that is meant only for subcutaneous injection (just under the skin) and not for injection into muscle. Subcutaneous injection is easier to learn than intramuscular injection. DMPA-SC is available in two injection systems—in the Uniject device and in prefilled, single-dose, conventional syringes. Both have short needles meant for injection just below the skin. With the Uniject system, the user squeezes a flexible reservoir that pushes the fluid through the needle. DMPA-SC in the Uniject system is marketed under the brand name Sayana Press. This product may be particularly useful for community-based programs. Also, women can easily learn to give themselves subcutaneous injections with this system (see instructions). |
† For definitions of bleeding patterns, see “vaginal bleeding.”