Which of the following is an injectable contraceptive?

DSSSB 13 August 2024

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Easy

Appeared in: DSSSB 13 August 2024

Explanation

Net-EN stands for Norethisterone Enanthate, which is a progestin-only contraceptive.
It is classified as a depot formulation, meaning it releases the hormone slowly over time.
The standard administration is a 200 mg deep intramuscular (IM) injection into the gluteal muscle every 2 months (60 days).
Its primary mechanism of action is inhibiting ovulation and thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm penetration.

Option A: Mala-N is a brand of combined oral contraceptive pills (COCs) available in India. It contains hormones (levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol) that must be taken daily by mouth to prevent pregnancy.
Option B: Similar to Mala-N, Mala-D is also a combined oral contraceptive pill. It is taken orally on a daily basis and is not administered via injection.
Option C: Norplant is the brand name for a long-acting reversible contraceptive that works via a subdermal implant. It consists of small, flexible silicone rods containing levonorgestrel that are surgically placed under the skin of the upper arm. It is an implant, not an injection.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification of contraceptive methods and their specific routes of administration as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a crucial role in counseling clients about contraceptive choices, ensuring they understand the administration, effectiveness, side effects (like menstrual irregularities), and follow-up schedule for methods like Net-EN.
Injectable contraceptives are a highly effective option for individuals who may have difficulty with daily pill compliance, thereby increasing contraceptive adherence.
It is important to inform patients that after discontinuing injectable contraceptives like Net-EN, there might be a delay in the return to full fertility compared to some other methods.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully read the question to identify the core requirement, which is to find an 'injectable contraceptive'.
Next, systematically review each option and recall its specific method of administration.
Analyze Option A (Mala-N) and Option B (Mala-D): Recognize these as common brands of oral contraceptive pills in India, which are taken by mouth.
Analyze Option C (Norplant): Recall that this is a well-known brand name for a subdermal implant system, which involves placing rods under the skin.
Analyze Option D (Net-EN): Identify this as Norethisterone Enanthate, a known injectable contraceptive. This method matches the question's requirement.
Conclude that Net-EN is the only injectable contraceptive among the choices.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Identification of contraceptive methods and their specific routes of administration.
Stem keywords: injectable, contraceptive
Lead-in keywords: Which

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart C (pp 404-604 of 604) pp. 197-199, 198-200