Review of Injectable Contraceptives and Cervical Health by the WHO Task Force 2025

Updated international guidelines in light of fresh evidence that Depo-Provera may be linked to cervical ectopy and other problems

Monday, June 9, 2025 - The World Health Organization (WHO) Task Force on Contraceptive Safety released new guidelines in 2025 after looking at new evidence that long-acting injectable contraceptives, especially Depo-Provera, may be bad for cervical health. The main focus of this review was new information that suggests a possible connection between Depo-Provera and a higher rate of cervical ectopy, a condition in which the delicate glandular cells of the cervical canal grow out to the outer surface of the cervix. Cervical ectopy isn't dangerous on its own, but it can cause bleeding, discharge, pain during sex, and make you more likely to get sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The WHO's 2025 report, which is based on international case data and clinical research, advocates for more detailed counseling and wider screening for Depo-Provera users, especially in areas where normal gynecological care is hard to come by. In certain countries, doctors and lawyers have started to ask if patients were given enough information about these hazards. More and more people are getting in touch with a Depo-Provera attorney because their post-injection problems were misdiagnosed or not treated. Some of these cases have turned into Depo-Provera lawsuits, claiming that the company didn't tell people about the risk of cervical problems that could happen with long-term use.

The WHO Task Force pointed to research from several countries that showed women who used Depo-Provera had a higher incidence of cervical ectopy than women who used non-hormonal or short-acting birth control techniques. The task group said that ectopy itself is not a precancerous disease, but it can make cervical cancer tests harder and make people more likely to have infections like HPV. These things could then lead to long-term problems with reproductive health, especially in places with few resources. Before giving injectable birth control, the World Health Organization (WHO) now says that healthcare practitioners should give more detailed counseling about possible alterations to the cervix. This includes talking about symptoms to watch for, when to get follow-up treatment, and how to have a Pap smear or colposcopy if something seems wrong. The task committee has also recommended that national health systems combine cervical screening services with birth control programs so that problems can be found and treated early. WHO didn't ask for Depo-Provera to be banned or limited, but the new advice says to be more careful when giving the drug to those who have had cervical problems in the past or who don't have easy access to follow-up care. In response, a number of national health organizations are changing their clinical guidelines, and advocacy groups are calling for clearer labeling and patient education materials to be available in all parts of the world.

The WHO's 2025 assessment is an important step toward figuring out the complicated link between long-acting contraceptives and cervical health. Depo-Provera is still a good way to avoid getting pregnant, but the new findings show that more protections are needed, especially in areas where healthcare is not very good.

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Depo Provera Brain Tumor Attorneys Handling Claims Nationwide

We will represent all persons involved in a Depo Provera lawsuit on a contingency basis, meaning there are never any legal fees unless we win compensation in your case. Anyone who has been treated for a meningioma brain tumor and has a history of using Depo Provera for at least a year--or is a family member of such a person--is eligible to receive a free, no-obligation case review from our attorneys. Simply contact our firm through the online contact form or the chat feature and one of our Depo Provera meningioma lawyers will contact you promptly to discuss your case.