Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate as Emergency Contraception
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2020-10-30
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Background:
The prevalence of repeat unprotected intercourse after EC use in the same cycle demonstrate
the need for more self-bridging emergency contraceptive options. We propose the use of
intramuscular Depot Medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) as EC, which has been shown to inhibit
follicular activity within 24 hours, and provide on-going contraception via suppression or
disruption of ovulation.
Objective:
The objective of this study is to explore the potential of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate
(DMPA) given as a 150-mg intramuscular injection for use as an emergency contraceptive.
Study population:
Healthy regularly menstruating women aged 18-39 years old will be invited to participate if
they fulfill inclusion criteria. The participants will undergo a screening visit during the
midluteal phase of their cycle, and will be enrolled if a serum progesterone level is
>3ng/ml.
Methodology:
Participants will be assigned to one of three groups based on leading follicle size. Starting
cycle Day 8, transvaginal ultrasounds will be performed to assess the size of the leading
follicle. Once the follicle has reached the pre-assigned size, 150 mg IM DMPA will be
administered. Blood will be collected for baseline hormonal assays. For 5 consecutive days,
daily blood will be drawn for hormonal assays and daily transvaginal ultrasound will be
performed to assess for signs of ovulation. The participant will then return for twice weekly
progesterone levels for 2 weeks for study completion.