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Return to fertility after DMPA — DFSRH MCQ

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HardReproductive HealthReturn to fertility after DMPADFSRH

A 32-year-old woman wants to conceive and asks when fertility will return after stopping DMPA. Her last injection was 6 weeks ago, and she is worried because she has no bleeding. What would you advise this patient?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: D — Return of ovulation may be delayed for months after the last DMPA injection

DMPA is associated with a variable delay in return of ovulation and fertility after the last injection, often lasting months. A 7-day return is more consistent with stopping some other hormonal methods, not DMPA. Amenorrhoea does not mean permanent infertility, and UPA does not restart ovulation. The pearl is to ask about pregnancy intentions before starting DMPA in patients planning conception soon.

Reference: FSRH Guideline: Progestogen-only Injectable Contraception