<p>While the technical advisory committee of the ministry of health and family welfare has given the nod for the introduction of injectable contraceptives, City-based gynaecologists advise that patients undergo proper counselling before opting for it. <br /><br /></p>.<p>Amidst debate that the use of injectable contraceptives more had adverse effects as compared to the others, the Union government has planned to go ahead with the introduction of Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA). City doctors who support the introduction, however, warn of adverse effects from long-term use. They stress the need for counselling before administering it. <br /><br />Speaking to Deccan Herald, Dr Sunanda Bai, senior medical faculty, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, said that this was one of the most effective methods of contraception. She, however, said that it was ideal that a woman consumes it for not more than two years. “Long-term effects include Osteopenia (a condition in which the protein and mineral content of the bones is lost). It also leads to a decrease in bone marrow,” Bai said. The other side effects, she said, could include menstrual irregularities, headache and unusual weight gain. “Sometimes, there may be pain at the injection site and very rarely infections. Women who are injected must be counselled about these side effects as well,” the doctor said.<br /><br />Dr Bai pointed that the failure rate was just 0.4 per 100 woman years as against one to three per 100 woman years for the intrauterine contraceptive device. It is as high as 10 to 14 per 100 woman years for condom use. “The compliance rate is high. Women need not be worried about missing their pills,” she said. <br /><br />The Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India has said that despite menstrual irregularities which are expected with injectable contraception, the benefits of preventing unwanted pregnancy outweigh apprehensions about side effects. “Concerns regarding menstrual disturbance and osteoporosis can be addressed by counselling,” they opine. <br /><br />Geetha Sethi, secretary general, Family Planning Association of India, said that compared to short-term spacing methods, the injectables were much easier as the woman will only have to visit the clinic only once in three months. She said, “The challenge involved is to stop women from using it for longer periods. Many find it convenient for several reasons. They can hide it from their family, unlike the pills. Following the recommended protocol, ensuring counselling and regular follow-up are important,” she added. <br /></p>
<p>While the technical advisory committee of the ministry of health and family welfare has given the nod for the introduction of injectable contraceptives, City-based gynaecologists advise that patients undergo proper counselling before opting for it. <br /><br /></p>.<p>Amidst debate that the use of injectable contraceptives more had adverse effects as compared to the others, the Union government has planned to go ahead with the introduction of Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA). City doctors who support the introduction, however, warn of adverse effects from long-term use. They stress the need for counselling before administering it. <br /><br />Speaking to Deccan Herald, Dr Sunanda Bai, senior medical faculty, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, said that this was one of the most effective methods of contraception. She, however, said that it was ideal that a woman consumes it for not more than two years. “Long-term effects include Osteopenia (a condition in which the protein and mineral content of the bones is lost). It also leads to a decrease in bone marrow,” Bai said. The other side effects, she said, could include menstrual irregularities, headache and unusual weight gain. “Sometimes, there may be pain at the injection site and very rarely infections. Women who are injected must be counselled about these side effects as well,” the doctor said.<br /><br />Dr Bai pointed that the failure rate was just 0.4 per 100 woman years as against one to three per 100 woman years for the intrauterine contraceptive device. It is as high as 10 to 14 per 100 woman years for condom use. “The compliance rate is high. Women need not be worried about missing their pills,” she said. <br /><br />The Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India has said that despite menstrual irregularities which are expected with injectable contraception, the benefits of preventing unwanted pregnancy outweigh apprehensions about side effects. “Concerns regarding menstrual disturbance and osteoporosis can be addressed by counselling,” they opine. <br /><br />Geetha Sethi, secretary general, Family Planning Association of India, said that compared to short-term spacing methods, the injectables were much easier as the woman will only have to visit the clinic only once in three months. She said, “The challenge involved is to stop women from using it for longer periods. Many find it convenient for several reasons. They can hide it from their family, unlike the pills. Following the recommended protocol, ensuring counselling and regular follow-up are important,” she added. <br /></p>
