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Depo-Provera (Depo)
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Depo-Provera is used to prevent pregnancy. It is a medication similar to the female hormone progesterone. Similar hormones are also are used in birth control pills and for many medical therapies.
It is given as a shot once every 12 weeks. The shot may be in the arm or in the buttocks. Do not rub the injection site after the shot is given.
Usually, the first shot is given within 5 days of the beginning of the period. In some cases, the first shot may be given at other times. After that, the shot is given once every 12 weeks.
The Depo shot works fastest if the shot is given by the fifth day of the period. A backup method of birth control (i.e. condoms) should be used for seven days after the first shot is given until it becomes fully effective.
It stops the ovaries from releasing eggs, causes the cervical mucus to become thick so that it is hard for sperm to reach an egg, changes the uterine lining, and affects the fallopian tubes.
Approximately one out of every 400 women using this method becomes pregnant. It`s effectiveness rating is 99.6%. This means that it is more effective than sterilization.
There may be a delay in return to fertility. Typically a woman will not be able to become pregnant for 6-12 months after the last shot (the average length of time is 10 months). It may take even longer for some women. If you stop receiving Depo and do not want to become pregnant, you should use another method of birth control.
Yes. It does not affect the amount or quality of breast milk. It can be given after 6 weeks of nursing, by which time lactation is well established. It is passed to the baby in the milk but it is not known to be harmful to the baby.
In addition to being very effective and convenient, it may help decrease anemia and probably decreases your risk of ovarian and uterine cancer. It usually decreases the amount of menstrual blood loss and the amount of cramping with periods.
- Changes in the menstrual period. During the first year periods usually are irregular and often there is frequent bleeding. Periods can also be heavier/longer, and bleeding could last 30 days or more. After 6-12 months most women have fewer periods and many stop having periods altogether.
- Pregnancy-like symptoms can occur. These include sore breasts, tiredness, nausea, and abdominal discomfort. These usually go away in 3-6 months.
- Weight changes may occur because it may increase the appetite. Approximately 66% of women gain weight. However approximately 20% lose weight, and another 10% do not gain or lose weight. The typical weight gain is 5.4 pounds the first year and 8 pounds by the end of the second year. Weight gain can be controlled by diet and exercise.
- Depression. This may become worse in women who have had problems with depression before. If you notice depression, contact a clinician to talk about the possible relation to Depo.
- Depo-Provera may cause dark patches on the skin of your face. These patches may continue even after you stop getting the shot and may become worse with sun exposure.
- Some other reactions that have been reported are headaches, dizziness, nervousness, loss of scalp hair, increase in body hair, and either an increase or a decrease in sex drive.
Women who use contraceptives with hormones (like the Depo shot) have an increased risk of blood clots or stroke. There is also an increased chance of ectopic pregnancy meaning that the fetus develops outside the uterus. Although possible, these events are rare.
Depo may cause bones to become thinner while you use the shot. This could increase your risk of a broken bone. It is important to get enough calcium in your diet while receiving Depo-Provera. When you stop taking Depo, your bones should return to their normal thickness.
Depo may cause bones to become thinner while you use the shot. This could increase your risk of a broken bone. It is important to get enough calcium in your diet while receiving Depo-Provera. When you stop taking Depo, your bones should return to their normal thickness.
Any woman who:
- Is pregnant or suspects pregnancy
- Has undiagnosed, irregular bleeding between periods
- Has serious liver disease
- Has ever had a liver tumor
- Has ever had breast cancer
- Has ever had a stroke
- Has had blood clots in the legs, lungs, or eyes
- Is allergic to Depo-Provera