What
is it? |
Depo-Provera
is an injectable method of birth control that is given as
a shot. It protects against pregnancy for a full three months.
Each injection contains progestin, a hormone much like the
one women produce during the last two weeks of the menstrual
cycle. The shot is given in the upper arm or in the buttocks. |
How
does it work? |
It prevents
ovulation - that is the release of an egg from the ovary
(and also the ripening of the egg). If no egg is released,
no pregnancy can occur. The hormone also thickens the mucus
in the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to enter the
uterus.
|
How
do I use it? |
You
MUST visit your health care provider or clinic every 13 weeks
for the injection. You must have your first injection within
5 days of the beginning of your menstrual cycle to ensure
that you are not pregnant. |
Pros |
Easy
to use, a highly effective method. You have lighter periods
and fewer menstrual cramps. The shot does NOT contain estrogen
(which increases the risk of heart problems and stroke). You
do not have to remember to take a pill every day. Immediately
effective after injection, there is no waiting period as with
the pill. |
Cons |
This
method does not protect a woman from STDs! You need to use
a condom with it if you may be at risk. You must visit your
clinic or health care provider on time every 13 weeks for
your injection. Some women complain of soreness in the area
of the injection for a couple of days afterwards. |
Effectiveness |
The
percentage of pregnancies in the first year of use is reported
as 0.3%. Among women who use Depo-Provera only about 2-3 in
1000 will become pregnant in the first year. To be this effective
you must get your shot on time. |
Side
Effects |
Irregular
periods: 70% - 80% of women will have irregular bleeding during
their first year of use. This means spotting and bleeding
in between your periods. After one year of use, some women
stop having a period all together. After two years that number
goes up to 75%. This is not harmful to you, but you should
make sure you are not pregnant with a pregnancy test. Some
women report breast tenderness, it may be uncomfortable, but
it is not considered to be dangerous.
Weight Gain:
On average women gain about 3 - 5 pounds a year while using
Depo-Provera.
Bone Loss:
To protect your bones against bone loss, (osteoporosis),
get regular exercise and take a calcium supplement at night.
This side effect will disappear when you stop using Depo-Provera.
Other Side
Effects: Headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea and anxiety. |
IMPORTANT
When to call the doctor or health care provider? |
Call
your doctor or clinic if you have chest pain, severe vomiting,
heavy bleeding, coughing up blood, if your leg or arm becomes
suddenly numb, if you have severe dizziness, pain in the calf,
severe pain in your lower abdomen, yellow skin tone, or a
bad headache. |
