Health-related quality of life changes among users of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate for contraception.

BACKGROUND

Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) may have other noncontraceptive effects that could impact on the quality of life. The objective of this study was to assess the health-related quality of life changes associated with the use of DMPA for contraception.

STUDY

DESIGN

A prospective, observational study using the Short Form-36 quality of life questionnaire.

RESULTS

After 6 months of use, the participants had an improved physical summary score, mean change [5.64 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.87-9.4), p=.054]. There was no significant change in sexual function [5.33 (95% CI, -2.15 to 12.81), p=.0858] and mental summary score [-0.51 (95% CI, -1.90 to 2.92), p=.432]. The main side effect of DMPA was menstrual irregularity (32.5%); 17.2% of the participants found amenorrhea desirable.

CONCLUSION

Besides its contraceptive efficacy, DMPA is associated with an improvement in perceived physical health with no apparent adverse effect on mental health and sexual function.