Acceptability and women’s perceptions on progesterone only contraception: a comprehensive review

Arghadeep Sen; Reena Wani; Pramila Yadav

doi:10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20263079

Authors

Arghadeep Sen Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, HBTMC and Dr. RN Cooper Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Reena Wani Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, HBTMC and Dr. RN Cooper Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Pramila Yadav Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, HBTMC and Dr. RN Cooper Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20263079

Keywords:

Progesterone-only contraceptives, Patient acceptability and satisfaction, Long-acting reversible contraception, Contraceptive counselling, Bleeding irregularities

Abstract

Progesterone-only contraceptives (POCs) represent a crucial pillar of modern family planning, offering highly effective options free from oestrogen-related cardiovascular risks. This review systematically examines patient preferences, satisfaction rates, and acceptability profiles across the primary POC modalities: progesterone-only pills (POPs), subdermal implants, long-acting injectables, and levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems (LNG-IUS). Based on multi-country trial networks, health technology assessments, and real-world database registry cohorts, this paper details how bleeding abnormalities, return-to-fertility expectations, and metabolic profiles drive patient adherence or premature discontinuation. While long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) exhibit the highest objective continuation rates, individual consumer choices are profoundly shaped by non-contraceptive benefits, user autonomy, and cultural perspectives. Strategic, structured patient counselling that balances expected bleeding disruptions against highly effective, discrete therapeutic benefits remains the definitive clinical intervention to improve long-term user satisfaction and minimize unmet contraceptive needs.

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