Depo Provera contraceptive injection is a progesterone only hormone injection that lasts 3 months to prevent ovulation and pregnancy.It is important to receive this injection every 3 months for a continuous birth control.It is about 99% effective and protects after 24 hours from initial injection.
Pap Smear is usually required prior to administration of Depo Provera contraceptive injection.Women with undiagnosed or irregular vaginal bleeding or who may be pregnant should not receive Depo Provera injection.
Health risk continuous use of Depo Provera may include bone loss which appears to be reversible after discontinuation of Depo Provera. Regular exercise and calcium supplements are recommended to control this potential risk. A bone density test may be helpful to assess the bone loss especially if using Depo Provera for more than 2 years.
Women using Depo Provera have less chance of developing anemia and certain GYN cancers. Use of Depo Provera also reduces the symptoms of endometriosis since most of the women on Depo Provera do not have periods or have very infrequent bleeding.It is not unusual to have spotting for the first 3 months from the initial Depo Provera injection.The bleeding usually resolves after the 2nd shot.
Serious side effects are not common, but may include weight gain, mood alteration, acne, bloating, hair loss, and a decrease in libido.
Women that desire pregnancy may discontinue Depo Provera anytime.It may take up to one year for some women to become pregnant.depending on the length of time that Depo Provera was used.
It is important to discuss all the options for birth control with your clinician since the symptoms related to Depo Povera may last up to 3-6 month after discontinuation of the method.
1) Highly effective when used correctly
2) You do not have to remember to take a pill each day
3) Does not inhibit sexual spontaneity
4) Lighter periods and possibly no period after a year
5) Prevents uterine fibroids and has a possible protective effect against endometrial and ovarian cancers
6) Does not contain estrogen which may increase the risk of heart problems
1) Does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases
2) May experience a longer delay in fertility after ceasing the injections
3) Requires a prescription and office visits
4) Irregular bleeding which may include prolonged or heavier menstrual flow Injections may be painful
