Injectable contraception.

Injectable contraceptive methods are safe, highly efficacious, and commonly used worldwide. Depo-Provera (depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate) is the most commonly used injectable in the United States. It is a convenient, discrete, and low-maintenance method, and is ideal for patients with contraindications to estrogen use and certain medical conditions. In addition, there are many noncontraceptive benefits to Depo-Provera use. Side effects with this method including irregular bleeding, breast tenderness, weight gain, and the impact on bone mineral density should be taken into consideration when prescribing the method. Other injectables such as Mesigyna and norethindrone enanthate are widely used outside the United States.