Using Medroxyprogesterone Acetate for Contraception After Abortion

Continuation Rates of Self-administered Subcutaneous Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate and Provider-administered Intramuscular Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate in Patients Seeking Post-abortion Contraception

PHASE4 · Northwestern University · NCT05505435

This study is testing whether women who have just had an abortion prefer giving themselves a birth control shot at home or getting it from a healthcare provider.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment653 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorNorthwestern University (other)
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT05505435 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the continuation rates of self-administered Subcutaneous Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA-SC) compared to provider-administered Intramuscular Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA-IM) in post-abortion patients. Conducted at a large abortion clinic in Chicago, Illinois, the study will recruit patients who desire DMPA for contraception after their abortion. Participants will complete a baseline survey to gather demographic and clinical data and will choose between the two administration methods. The goal is to assess the effectiveness and acceptability of self-administered DMPA-SC in this specific population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients seeking contraception after an abortion who are planning to use DMPA.

Not a fit: Patients who cannot read or speak English may not benefit from this study due to communication barriers.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve contraceptive continuation rates for patients post-abortion.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown higher continuation rates for self-administered DMPA-SC, but this specific focus on post-abortion patients is less explored.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient planning DMPA for post-abortion contraception.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient cannot speak and read English.

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Contraception

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.