DMPA is an injectable contraceptive which is given after an interval of every

UPPSC-2021

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Easy

Appeared in: UPPSC-2021

Explanation

DMPA, which stands for Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate, is a long-acting, reversible, progestin-only hormonal contraceptive.
The standard administration schedule for DMPA is an injection every three months (approximately 12 to 13 weeks).
This interval is consistent for both the intramuscular (IM) formulation (150 mg, brand name Depo-Provera) and the subcutaneous (SC) formulation (104 mg).
The three-month dosing regimen ensures that a sufficient level of the hormone is maintained in the body to effectively prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation.

Option A: A two-week interval is too frequent for a long-acting depot contraceptive like DMPA. This schedule does not align with the pharmacokinetic profile of the drug.
Option B: A three-week interval is incorrect for DMPA. This duration is more commonly associated with the use period of other hormonal methods like the contraceptive patch or vaginal ring, which are typically used for three weeks followed by a one-week break.
Option D: A two-year interval is far too long for an injectable contraceptive like DMPA. Methods that provide protection for several years are typically long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) like implants or IUDs.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Administration schedule for DMPA (Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate) injectable contraceptive as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses are responsible for administering DMPA correctly and providing comprehensive patient education. This includes explaining the 3-month schedule, managing expectations about side effects (especially bleeding changes), and reinforcing the need for timely follow-up injections.
It is crucial to counsel patients that DMPA does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and condoms should be used for STI prevention.
A key counseling point is the delayed return to fertility. Nurses should inform patients who wish to become pregnant that it may take an average of 9-10 months after the last injection for fertility to return.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question testing knowledge of a specific pharmaceutical agent.
First, identify the key drug in the question: 'DMPA'.
Recall the drug class and purpose: DMPA is a long-acting injectable contraceptive.
Access your knowledge base for the specific administration frequency of this common contraceptive.
The standard interval for DMPA is every 3 months.
Compare this fact with the given options and select 'Three months'. Eliminate other options as they are either too short ('Two weeks', 'Three weeks') or too long ('Two years') for this specific medication.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Administration schedule for DMPA (Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate) injectable contraceptive.
Stem keywords: DMPA, injectable contraceptive, interval
Lead-in keywords: every

Qtcllunkgacz9BQVCf6GQi

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart C (pp 404-604 of 604) p. 197-199

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 1233-1235