Women’s Experiences with Injectable Contraceptives (Depo Provera): A View from Vadodara, India

Abstract

Choice of contraceptive methods is a key element of family planning that benefits both women and providers. Offering a client choice can help increase contraceptive prevalence rates; so this study was conducted to explore users’ perspectives on Injectable Contraceptives (IC). This qualitative study employed semi structured in-depth interview technique. Sixty women, who had experience of using IC either at the time of study or in the past, were selected from the obstetrics and gynecologist specialist who prescribed IC to their clients from Baroda. Data entry was done using group codes and numbers. The most common likes of IC were that of convenience of having to take injection only once in three month, being tension free for three months, safe, effective, no problems as in case of Copper-T or condoms. The most common dislikes reported were swelling of the abdomen, excessive bleeding, amenorrhea and mental torture due to continuous bleeding or absence of periods. Study gives impression of large number of side effects with injectable contraceptive in 50% of women. Although certain distinct advantages of the IC have been expressed, the associated problems are equally significant.

Keywords: Qualitative study, Injectable contraceptives, Depo Provera