RHAP Contraception During COVID-19: Self-Administered Progestin Injection
Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) can be prescribed as a subcutaneous injection that patients give themselves at home. The self-administered version helps patients avoid the need for office visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. This method, also known as Depo SubQ, contains the same hormone, works in the same way, and has the same medical eligibility criteria as the in-office injection. Depo SubQ has a smaller needle (28 gauge x 3/8 inch) on a pre-filled, single-use syringe and is meant to be injected into the thigh or abdomen. It contains about 30% less progestin than the in office form.