Successful treatment of Depot Medroxyprogesterone acetate-related vaginal bleeding improves continuation rates in Adolescents. (2006)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rager, Kristin M.; Fowler, Amy; Omar, Hatim A.
• Other Names: Merrick Joav Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: TheScientificWorldjournal. Volume 6(2006)
• Page Start: 353
• Page End: 355
• Publication Date: 2006
• Subjects: vaginal bleeding, adolescents -- depot medroxyprogesterone -- DMPA -- United States; Science -- Periodicals; Technology -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; 505
• DOI: 10.1100/tsw.2006.69
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2356-6140

Abstract

Abstract : High discontinuation rates for depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) in adolescents may contribute to the number of unintended pregnancies. Many cite vaginal bleeding as a reason for discontinuing DMPA use. In this study, we attempted to determine if treating DMPA-associated vaginal bleeding with monophasic oral contraceptive pills (OCP) raised continuation rates. A total of 131 patients who reported vaginal bleeding while on DMPA were included in this study and 83 were treated with monophasic OCP. Of those who received OCP, 38.7% reported that vaginal bleeding stopped completely, 51.8% reported that vaginal bleeding stopped temporarily, and 6.0% reported no change. Overall, 94% of enrolled patients who received OCP as a treatment for DMPA-associated vaginal bleeding continued DMPA use. Our findings indicate that vaginal bleeding due to DMPA can be successfully treated, leading to improvement in continuation rates.