Why must one 'restart' a method that is still working? A case for redefining injectable discontinuation.

Family Planning Perspectives ceding injection—even if she receives her next injection only a few days late. She must then “restart” the method, even though her last DMPA injection may still be protecting her from pregnancy. Moreover, if all contraceptive users were categorized according to what they report to be their current method, and according to their adherence to that method’s regimen (and, thereby, their level of protection), criteria for discontinuation and discontinuation rates could be standardized across methods. This would make rates for DMPA comparable to those for condoms and pills. Such an approach would make it easier for users, providers and researchers to compare the acceptability and effectiveness of all contraceptive methods, to distinguish between poor adherence and discontinuation, and to evaluate the most useful interventions for each of them.