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Contraceptive injections are an option for people who want effective birth control without having to take a pill every day. However, not all contraceptive injections are the same. Two commonly compared options are Cyclofem and DMPA.
Cyclofem = a combined hormonal contraceptive injection given once a month
DMPA = a progestin-only contraceptive injection given every 3 months
Both are highly effective methods of contraception, but they differ in several important ways.
Cyclofem: Monthly Combined Hormonal Injection
Cyclofem is a combined injectable contraceptive containing both estrogen and progestin and is administered once a month.
Compared with DMPA, Cyclofem tends to:
- Provide more predictable menstrual cycles
- Cause less irregular bleeding, although spotting can still occur
Because Cyclofem contains estrogen, it may not be suitable for people who have certain medical conditions or contraindications to estrogen-containing contraceptives.
DMPA: Contraceptive Injection Every 3 Months
DMPA stands for Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate.
It is a progestin-only injectable contraceptive. A commonly used formulation is DMPA 150 mg, administered by intramuscular injection approximately every 3 months.
DMPA does not contain estrogen, which can be an advantage for people who cannot or should not use estrogen-containing contraceptives.
Possible menstrual changes with DMPA include:
- Spotting or prolonged bleeding
- Irregular menstrual periods
With continued use, some women may develop amenorrhea, meaning that menstrual periods stop altogether.
This occurs because DMPA causes the lining of the uterus, or endometrium, to become thinner.
The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that changes in bleeding patterns are common with DMPA and are generally not harmful.
What If You Stop the Injection and Want to Become Pregnant?
With Cyclofem, fertility and normal reproductive function generally return relatively quickly after stopping the injections.
With DMPA, the return of ovulation may take several months after the last injection. Therefore, DMPA may be less suitable for someone who plans to become pregnant soon after stopping contraception.
Which Contraceptive Injection May Be More Suitable for You?
Cyclofem may be suitable for people who:
- Do not want to take a contraceptive pill every day
- Are comfortable receiving an injection once a month
- Prefer more predictable menstrual cycles
- Have no contraindications to estrogen
DMPA may be suitable for people who:
- Do not want to take a contraceptive pill every day
- Prefer contraception that lasts approximately 3 months per injection
- Cannot use or are not suitable for estrogen-containing contraceptives
- Need a contraceptive option that may be used during breastfeeding and in the postpartum period, depending on individual circumstances and medical assessment
The most appropriate contraceptive method varies from person to person. A healthcare professional can help assess your medical history, lifestyle, breastfeeding status, and future pregnancy plans before recommending the most suitable option.
