Depo-Provera (The "Shot") As A Contraceptive Method

What is it?

Depo-Provera is a form of progesterone, a hormone produced by a woman's body during the second half of her menstrual cycles and during pregnancy. It is a unique contraceptive because it is injectable and long acting.

Is it effective?

Depo-Provera is nearly 100% effective when given every 90 days. Various studies suggest that about five pregnancies occur among 2000 women using this method each year. Factors that increase the effectiveness are:

·
• Making sure you aren't pregnant before getting the first shot ·
• Using an alternate method of birth control of the first two weeks after the first shot ·
• Getting the shots no farther apart than every 90 days ·
• Using an alternative method of birth control until regular periods are established after discontinuing the shot before getting pregnant.

How does it work?

Depo-Provera works by preventing the release of an egg from a women's ovaries (ovulation). Without an egg to be fertilized, pregnancy cannot occur.

How and when is it given?

Depo-Provera is given by injection, usually in the hip, once every 90 days. The first injection should be given within five days of the onset of a normal period. A back-up method of birth control should be used for the first two weeks after the first injection. It is very important that the shot be given every 90 days in order to prevent pregnancy!!!

Are there any side effects?

Like any medication, Depo-Provera can cause side effects. Unlike most medications, there has never been a fatality linked to use of Depo-Provera. A very frequent side effect is irregular menstruation. During the first few months of the injection, many women have irregular spotting or bleeding. After being on the injection for three to six months, many women stop having periods altogether. One out of two women will have no periods after two years. This is not a harmful side effect. Many women like this effect. Other women worry if they don't know that this is common and not harmful. Other side effects are uncommon. However, some women have noticed slight weight gain, mood changes, and occasional heavy uterine bleeding.

What are the advantages?

Excellent protection from pregnancy, freedom from remembering to take a pill every day or insert a barrier method, no interruption to sexual activity and menstruation usually stops.

Who should not use Depo-Provera?

The use of Depo-Provera is inadvisable in the following cases:

• Women with a suspected pregnancy. It is not known how the shot would affect a baby if it was given while a woman was pregnant. Use of Depo-Provera during pregnancy has been associated with birth defects, including heart and limb abnormalities. It is important to be sure you are not pregnant before getting your first shot, to get your shots no later than 90 days apart, and to wait for regular periods again before getting pregnant after discontinuing the shot. ·
• Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding. ·
• A history of diabetes, abnormal liver function. ·
• A history of vascular problems. ·
• Cancer of the reproductive tract.

Can I get pregnant after I use the Depo-Provera?

Extensive studies throughout the world indicate that, while fertility can take a number of months to return following the use of Depo-Provera, infertility is not produced by the use of Depo-Provera. It may take a few weeks or months after stopping the shot to ovulate. Many women have to wait up to one or one and a half years for fertility to return. The effects of Depo-Provera can last in the body for up to nine months after the last injection. It is not wise to get pregnant during this time, because of possible effects on the baby. Therefore, another method of birth control should be used until this interval of time has passed.

Is Depo-Provera used in the United States?

Depo-Provera has been approved for use as a contraceptive by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States Government. More that a million women in the United States and 80 other countries use Depo-Provera as birth control.