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Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ’s)

Have questions? We are here to help you.

It is normal for hormonal methods such as DMPA-SC to change users' menstrual cycles, and women's experiences with this will vary. If your experience of menstrual side effects has been negative, consult with a medical professional and consider switching methods.
On average, fertility returns 10 months after the last injection date, but the range is 4-12 months.

Yes. DMPA-SC is safe for women of reproductive age, including older women. However, you should check whether you have underlying health conditions that could make use less safe.

Yes. DMPA-SC is equally suitable for mothers and women who have not yet given birth.

There could be many reasons for this, and it is best to seek medical attention promptly for an accurate diagnosis. DMPA-SC is not known to cause vaginal infections, but it also does not protect one against STIs. Contact your medical provider if symptoms persist.

It is normal for hormonal methods such as DMPA-SC to change users' menstrual cycles, and users' experiences with this will vary. If your experience of menstrual side effects has been negative, consult with a medical professional and consider switching methods.

DMPA-SC offers three months of guaranteed protection. It is very important to keep track of your injection dates in order to know when your protection will wear off. If it has been less than three months since your last injection, you are not at risk of pregnancy.

Weight gain is a normal side effect of hormonal contraceptive methods, although not all users experience it. If your experience with this side effect has been negative, consult with a medical professional and consider switching methods.

It's ok to inject in the upper arm, however physicians usually recommend injecting in the thigh or abdomen for best results.

It is normal for hormonal methods such as DMPA-SC to change users' menstrual cycles, and women's experiences with this will vary. If your experience of menstrual side effects has been negative, consult with a medical professional and consider switching methods.

For continuous protection, self-inject one unit every three months.

Self-inject is available at most family planning clinics. A clinic locator tool on the DiscoverYourPower webiste can guide you to the nearest facility: https://www.discoveryourpower.org/

The best way is to speak with a family planning provider about your preferences and needs, however here are some resources that you may find helpful.

Some methods to consider for this duration of protection include the patch and the ring, however availability of these methods may be limited. It is best to speak with a provider in your area who can tell you which methods are in stock. helpful.

This depends on what stage of your menstrual cycle you are in. If used within the first seven days after your period, you will be protected, whereas if you inject after that, you should use a backup contraceptive method for the first seven days after injecting.

The most common side effect is changes to the menstrual cycle (irregular and/or prolonged bleeding in the first 3 months), and no monthly bleeding, infrequent or irregular bleeding at one year). Other side effects that some women may experience include weight gain, headaches, dizziness, changes in mood and sex drive, and abdominal bloating and discomfort.

This happens mainly with hormonal methods. For some women, who experience less pain and bleeding as a result, the side effect is a positive one - but for other women the experience is more adverse. Consider a using a non-hormonal method if you do not want your menstrual cycle to change.

Yes. This is a great option for women who would like to make less frequent visits to their provider. You can keep DMPA-SC units at home and self-inject them after you've received training.

That is normal, and isn't a problem.

DMPA-SC is a highly effective, safe, and popular method. However, it changes the menstrual cycle which is a drawback for some women.

On average, fertility returns 10 months after the last injection date, but the range is 4-12 months.

DMPA-SC is not recommended for breastfeeding women before 6 weeks after giving birth, otherwise if not breastfeeding, it is fine to use it right after giving birth.

You should store used DMPA-SC units in a puncture-proof container and dispose of them in a latrine or return them to a health worker.

This varies by individual as well as how long you've been using it. It can take a few months for your menstrual cycle to return to its previous rhythm, however other side effects stop much sooner than that.

It is free if accessed through a public provider.

DMPA-SC is one of the most effective contraceptive methods available. It is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

You can use Standard Days Method (SDM) or Moon beads also known as CycleBeads a, color-coded string of beads to track your menstrual cycle, your fertile days (when you are ovulating) and non-fertile days (when it is safe to have sex if you are trying to prevent pregnancy). Moonbeads can be found at most pharmacies, drug shops, supermarkets and general merchandise outlets. If you have a smartphone, you can download this app from Apple and Google pay stores at no cost.

No. Its effects are temporary, and fertility will return within 4-12 months after your last injection (with an average of 10 months).

In what part of your menstrual cycle were you in when you took the injection? If it was 5 days or less after your period, then you were definitely protected against pregnancy. If it was after that, then there is some risk of pregnancy if you had unprotected sex less than 7 days after the injection. Depending on the timing of the injection relative to your cycle and when you had sex, it might be a good idea to take a pregnancy test.

Yes. On average, women who stop using DMPA-SC can conceive 10 months later, but the range is 4-12 months.

Women with breast cancer, liver disease, certain cardovascular conditions, or undiagnosed vaginal bleeding should avoid using DMPA-SC. If you're not sure then it's a good idea to speak with a doctor.

Depo-Provera© is the Pfizer brand name of the intra-muscularly (IM) injectable form of the hormonal contraceptive Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). There are currently two injectable contraceptive products that both contain DMPA. In addition to DMPA-IM, which can only be injected by a healthcare provider, there is sub-cutaneous DMPA or DMPA-SC, and this can be injected by either a provider or by oneself (self-inject) after receiving initial training. DMPA-SC is also known by its Pfizer brand name Sayana Press©. Different people use the term ‘Depo’ in different ways and it’s possible that they are referring to Depo-Provera© specifically, or more broadly to any form of Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, which could include DMPA-SC / self-inject / Sayana Press© as well.

Intra-muscular injection requires the use of a standard syringe (like those used for vaccines) and it has a longer needle than sub-cutaneous injection, which only pierces the skin and does not penetrate muscular tissue. DMPA-SC uses a small ‘unit’ known as the UnijectTM, which clients can use to inject themselves after initial training. Many users consider SC to be less painful than IM, although this is a subjective experience that may vary by individual. SC can be injected by either a healthcare provider or by oneself, whereas IM can only be injected by a medical professional.

Different people use the term ‘Depo’ in different ways and it’s possible that they are referring to Depo-Provera© specifically, or more broadly to any form of Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, which could include DMPA-SC / self-inject / Sayana Press© as well.