Being the world's second-largest population comes with a lot of concerns, especially if this designation is backed by generations of uneducation, particularly towards reproduction. While there are many different types of contraceptives out there, the central government has decided to roll out an injectable form of contraception--Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA)--to various government-run hospitals across the country.

But before you go ahead and get a shot, let's find out if this indeed is meant for you...

What is DMPA?

Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate is a hormonal contraceptive that is injected into a woman's body to avoid pregnancy for up to three months.

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DMPA works by thickening the mucous in a woman's cervix, which stops the sperm from reaching the egg, thus preventing pregnancy. Though it is much cheaper than other forms of contraceptives available across the country, DMPA has had its fair share of controversies.

What are its most-common side effects?

Since DMPA is administered every three months, side effects like heavy bleeding, headaches, no periods, anxiety and depression have been reported by several users.

The Government of India guidelines on the injectable contraceptive mention side effects like menstrual changes, irregular bleeding, prolonged/heavy bleeding, amenorrhea (stopping of menstruation), weight gain, headaches, changes in mood or sex drive.

The biggest cloud of controversy surrounding DMPA, however, is the claim that it leads to weakening of bones, or decrease in bone-mineral density, and eventual bone loss.

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Experts weigh in

Dr Anubha Singh, from Shantah Fertility Centre, New Delhi, says she usually lets her patients know of the probable side effects of the drug before administering it: "The most common side effects I've encountered are heavy bleeding and bone weakness, only over prolonged use."

So, what is the suggested period of use for DMPA? "We usually recommend only four to five consecutive injections. Anything beyond that is likely to cause bone loss. The safest form of contraception, however, is still the daily oral pills."

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Common belief also leads one to believe that since DMPA is injected into one's body, couples do not bother with other forms of contraception, like the condom, which further puts the woman at a higher risk for sexually-transmitted diseases.

Dr Anuradha Kapoor, director of the gynaecology department at Max Hospital, Delhi, says it's not a preferred form of contraception for women who have multiple sexual partners. "It's convenient and it's fairly safe for women, especially from the rural sector. But it's largely meant for middle-aged couples who are trying to put a cap on their family size."