WOMEN: HORMONAL CONTRACEPTION. THE CONTROVERSY OVER DPMA

March 11th, 2009

In the early years after DPMA was introduced there was some uncertainty about its long-term safety. Some safety studies in animals (which used huge doses – 50 times those used in humans) had suggested a possible link with increased risk of pre-cancerous changes in Pap smears and of cancer of the endometrium and breast. There is now sound and convincing evidence that these risks do not apply to humans. There was also the worry (now also disproved) that the delay in return to fertility may be permanent.

The main reasons for the continuing controversy are moral and political. It is feared that injections may be given to women against their will or without telling them that they are for contraception and/or without telling them of the possible side-effects or problems. This is an abuse of human rights that should be condemned in every circumstance.

The opponents of DPMA certainly have a strong case against its abuse, but their arguments against its proper use to treat disorders or for contraception tend to ignore the evidence that it is safe and exaggerate the risk of side-effects.

To eliminate the possibility of abuse, any woman who is offered DPMA must be given full details about all its possible effects plus an unbiased account of the controversy, so that she can make a fully informed decision about using it.

DPMA has been used for many years in high dosage to treat breast and endometrial cancer, and has been used in low dosage for contraception by more than 10 million women. As a contraceptive, it has less health risks than the Pill, and no deaths have resulted from using a contraceptive injection. DPMA is used for contraception in more than 80 countries, and has been endorsed by such prestigious groups as WHO, the International Planned Parenthood Federation and the American and British Colleges of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

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