Weight changes 12-18 months after IUD and DMPA usage: A retrospective cohort study

Intra Uterine Device (IUD) and Depo-medroxy Progesterone Acetate (DMPA) are effective contraceptive methods that their usage may not be continued due to the occurrence of side effects. This study was performed with aim to evaluate the weight changes in DMPA compared to IUD users.

This retrospective cohort study was performed in 2017 on 150 IUD consumers and 150 DMPA users. Samples were collected from 34 health centers in Tehran by simple random sampling. Baseline weight) W1), 6 months (W2) and then 12 to 18 months (W3) after IUD and DMPA usage was measured. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 20). Independent t-test was used to compare the weight difference between the two time stages and repeated measures test was used in three time stages. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Baseline weight in IUD group was significantly higher than DMPA group (P=0.003). After 6 months, weight gain reversed in two groups and mean difference between W2-W1 showed significant increases in DMPA group in comparison of IUD users (P˂0.001). Also, 12-18 months later, mean difference between W3-W1 indicated significant weight gain in DMPA users than IUD consumers (P˂0.001). Weight gain during 12-18 months in DMPA users was about 2 Kg. Repeated measure analysis showed significant differences between two groups during time (P˂0.001). DMPA usage (P= 0.0001, B=2.39) and Cesarean delivery (P= 0.029, B=0.72) were two significant factors on weight gain.

Weight gain, albeit small is one of the complications of DMPA usage that should be considered.