Abstract

The use of a long-acting progestogen preparation is one option for women who require contraception. Three formulations are licensed in the UK for long-term use. One (Depo-Provera - Pharmacia & Upjohn) is given as an intramuscular depot injection, a second (▼Norplant - Hoechst Marion Roussel) as a sub-dermal implant and a third (▼Mirena - Pharmacia-Leiras) releases progestogen from an intra-uterine system. In this article we review these preparations and consider how to choose between them.