Statement on injectable contraception. Revised.

Injectable hormonal contraception with long-acting steroidal preparations provides an effective means of fertility regulation and has become an important method of family planning. The progestogen-only injectables depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) and norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN) are the most widely used and studied of several injectable contraceptives available. Cyclofem, a new monthly injectable contraceptive will soon be available. It contains a combination of the progestogen, medroxyprogesterone acetate, and the estrogen, estradiol cypionate. DMPA is registered as a therapeutic agent in almost all countries and as a contraceptive agent in at least 83 developed and developing countries. NET-EN is registered as a contraceptive agent in at least 57 countries. In some countries, locally produced and untested formulations are also available and extensively used. This article describes the beneficial and adverse effects of progestogen-only injectables, as well as contraindications; the beneficial effects and contraindications of combined injectables; and the service issues of counseling and the choice and administration of injectables.