Depo-Provera quarterly injection

Depo-Provera is an injection containing a synthetic progestogen hormone called depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate. Depo-Provera is a prescription hormonal birth control method.

How does Depo-Provera work?

Depo-Provera works through a synthetic hormone that helps regulate a woman's ovaries much like progesterone, a natural hormone.

Depo-Provera prevents pregnancy in one of three ways:

First, it prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg, also known as ovulation.
Secondly, it thickens cervical mucus, which acts as a barrier to prevent sperm from entering the egg.
Thirdly, it changes the lining of the uterus, preventing implantation.

How to use Depo-Provera?

Depo-Provera is a prescription and you can get an injection from your healthcare provider every 11 to 13 weeks. The health care provider will inject the synthetic hormone into your upper arm or buttocks. The initial injection is given during the first five days of menstrual bleeding. Subsequent injections are repeated every 11-13 weeks.

How effective is Depo-Provera?

Depo-Provera has a failure rate of less than 1% when used correctly and consistently. When used correctly, only 3 out of 1,000 women will get pregnant. You must take a pregnancy test if you have symptoms of pregnancy.

What are the side effects or health risks of Depo-Provera?

Irregular bleeding is the most common side effect. Some may experience increased light spotting and breakthrough bleeding, while others may experience more prolonged and heavy bleeding. For most women, after a year of use, periods usually become less frequent and lighter, or may stop altogether.

Depo-Provera has side effects similar to those experienced by users of birth control pills or other types of hormonal birth control, including:

Headaches
Dizziness
Nausea
Breast tenderness
Fatigue
Moderate weight gain
Change of appetite
Other reported side effects include acne, anxiety, backaches, bloating, depression, leg cramps, hair loss or excessive hair growth, or loss of sex drive. You should not use the injections if you think you are pregnant; consult your physician about using Depo-Provera while breastfeeding.

When should I contact my healthcare provider?

Contact your healthcare provider right away if you experience any of the following:

Heavy or prolonged vaginal bleeding
Intense pain in the abdominal area
Major depression
Yellowing of skin or eyes
Any new lumps in your breast

Women wishing to use Depo-Provera should seek additional advice from their doctor if they experience any of the following conditions:

Depression
Diabetes
High blood pressure
High risk for heart disease
History of blood clotting conditions
History of liver disease

Is Depo-Provera reversible?

Yes. However, it may take several months before your cycle returns to normal. For most women, ovulation usually returns within 3 to 6 months; however, you may not have a cycle for 12 to 18 months after stopping the injections. Pregnancy is possible when the use of contraceptive injections is stopped, but may be delayed. This method of birth control is not recommended for those who want to become pregnant soon after stopping its use.

What about Depo-Provera and sexually transmitted diseases?

Depo-Provera does NOT provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

When does it start working?

If the injection is given between the first and last day of menstruation, protection against pregnancy begins immediately.

What if I miss an injection?

If you miss an injection, you will need to use another form of birth control until you get your next injection.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Depo-Provera?

The pros of Depo-Provera include:

Highly effective when used correctly
You do not have to remember to take a pill each day
Does not inhibit sexual spontaneity
Lighter periods and possibly no period after a year
Prevents uterine fibroids and has a possible protective effect against endometrial and ovarian cancers
Does not contain estrogen which may increase the risk of heart problems