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| Depo ProveraWhat is Depo Provera?Depo Provera, also known as "the birth control shot", is a synthetic progesterone hormone that is injected into the hip muscle every 12 weeks. Depo Provera prevents ovulation. It also alters the lining of the uterus making it less likely for pregnancy to occur. How effective is Depo Provera?When used correctly, Depo Provera is 99.7% effective for preventing pregnancy for 12 weeks. Who can use Depo Provera?Depo Provera has been used safely by millions of women around the world. Before Depo Provera can be prescribed, a gynecological examination including discussion of current and past medical conditions is required. While Depo Provera is considered safe for most women, it is not recommended for women who have:
There are serious concerns about the use of Depo and the loss of bone density. Depo use should be carefully considered by adolescents and/or those who have not achieved their peak bone mass. Please see the section on Health Risks. What are some of the benefits of using Depo Provera?Depo Provera use offers contraceptive convenience and privacy to a woman. There are no pills to remember to take every day nor are there any contraceptive devices to store. Also, since Depo Provera contains no estrogen, some women who cannot take birth control pills or use other methods involving estrogen may be able to use Depo Provera. In addition, Depo Provera use seems to confer some protection from endometrial cancer and may also protect against ovarian cancer. Although Depo Provera is a long lasting contraceptive, the majority of women who wish to conceive do so within 12 to 18 months after their last injection. When do I get my Depo Provera injection?The first injection must be given within 5 days of the beginning of a normal menstrual period, or within 5 days of an abortion or miscarriage or childbirth. As long as you return every 12 weeks for another injection, you will have continuous birth control protection. You can get your next injection up to two weeks early, if necessary. However, if you will be late for your next injection, you should abstain or use another method of birth control until you can receive your next shot. A pregnancy test may be required if you are late for your shot. If you breast feed after childbirth, we recommend waiting six weeks for your first injection. What are the side effects of Depo Provera?The majority of women who use Depo Provera report irregular periods and bleeding for the first 3-6 months. After that time, most women have no periods at all. This is not a harmful side effect and, in fact, some women consider the absence of periods as one of the benefits of using Depo Provera. Other possible side effects include:
If severe side effects occur, it is important to contact your health care provider. Many women who experience side effects during the first few months of using Depo Provera find that they diminish over time. What are the health risks of using Depo Provera?Studies now confirm that there can be a loss of bone density with Depo Provera use. The loss is greater with increasing duration of use and may not be reversible even after the medication is discontinued. The greatest concern is use by adolescents and women in their early 20s, who may not have reached their peak bone density. Depo use should be carefully considered in light of your age and medical history. Use for longer than 2 years is not recommended unless other methods of birth control are not acceptable or not right for you. Depo Provera might cause an increase in cholesterol and other blood fats. Depending on your own and your family's medical history, periodic checks of blood cholesterol may be recommended. If you are pregnant or become pregnant, there may be a very small risk of birth defects in the fetus. However, since Depo Provera is a highly effective birth control method, this is a very rare occurrence. A slightly increased risk of breast cancer may exist for women under 35 years of age who use Depo Provera. According to the Food and Drug Administration, worldwide studies have found the overall breast cancer risk for long-term use to be minimal if it exists at all. Problems and QuestionsIf you have any questions, you may call a consulting nurse for further information: Primary Care Unit (206) 221-2517 Authored by: Kathy Slettebak, C.M.A. |
