Use
The
first shot of Depo Provera is usually given during or a few days after the start
of a menstrual period. After 24 hours, the shot is effective birth control for
the next 13 weeks. Many women find it useful to schedule their next shot slightly
earlier than necessary; if something prevents them from making their appointment,
there will be a window of opportunity to receive their next shot.
If
you are more than a week late for your shot, use a backup method of birth control
for the next two weeks. If you are more than a week late and you have had unprotected
sex since your last shot, consider taking a pregnancy test before receiving the
next dose.
Your
Health back to top Due to the risk of serious health problems, women with the
following conditions should not use Depo Provera.
- Unexplained
vaginal bleeding
-
Known or suspected pregnancy
Depo
Provera may not be recommended for women who are planning on becoming pregnant
in the near future, are concerned about weight gain, have liver disease, gallbladder
disease, or a history of depression. Study the risks and talk with your health
care practitioner.
Health
Risks
Studies
released in 2004 show that Depo Provera is associated with a loss of bone density
resulting in an increased risk of osteoporosis. The bone loss appears not to be
reversed when the woman goes off Depo Provera. Depo is not recommended for
long term use and especially not recommended when the young woman is still growing
her bones. Women on Depo are advised to exercise and take in plenty of calcium.
If you have taken Depo Provera for more than two years, you might want to get
a bone density test. (see article on Building Healthy Bones and factsheet on calcium-containing
foods )
Some
women have allergic reactions to Depo Provera.
If
a woman becomes pregnant while using Depo Provera, and continues her pregnancy,
there may be an increased risk of premature birth.
The
effects of Depo Provera on breast cancer are still unknown.
Health
Benefits: Women on Depo Provera have a decreased risk of endometrial cancer, ovarian
cancer, and pelvic inflammatory disease. You may have less menstrual cramping
and pain, fewer periods, and less chance of anemia.
Side
Effects
70%
of women using Depo Provera gain weight. Almost half of the women using Depo Provera
gain more than 5 pounds after one year of use. Many women gain more than 10 pounds.
Irregular, heavy, or no bleeding are common side effects of Depo Provera. After
a year of use, many women stop having periods. Lack of a period becomes increasingly
common with longer use. Other side effects of Depo Provera can include headaches,
nervousness, mood changes, bloating, hot flashes, decreased interest in sex, breast
tenderness, acne, hair loss, and back ache. After the last shot of Depo Provera,
it can take over 6 months for the drug to leave the body. Side effects may linger
until the drug is completely gone.
Drug
Interactions
Few medications lower the effectiveness of Depo Provera. Women with Cushing's
syndrome may take medications that interfere with Depo Provera. If you are taking
any medications, tell your clinician. When taking medications that may interfere
with Depo Provera, consider adding a backup method of birth control, like condoms
or spermicide. As with all drugs, it is useful to inform all your medical providers
if you are taking Depo Provera.
Advantages
- Private.
- Effective
after 24 hours.
- Does
not require regular attention.
-
Does not interrupt sex play.
- Has
no estrogen.
- May
decrease risk for ovarian and uterine cancers.
- Women
can start Depo Provera 6 weeks after giving birth.
Disadvantages
- Causes loss of bone density
and risk of osteoporosis.
- Does
not protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.
- Requires
injections every 3 months.
- Delay
of return to fertility.
-
Irregular bleeding.
-
Most women experience weight gain
Future
Fertility
Women
who want to become pregnant may stop using Depo Provera at any time. For some
women, fertility returns immediately. For others, it may take 6-18 months or longer
for the body's hormone cycle to go back to normal.
Going
Off Depo
The
book Contraceptive Technology says: "It is not possible to discontinue Depo Provera
immediately. Weight gain, depression, breast tenderness, allergic reactions, and
menstrual irregularities may continue until Depo Provera is cleared from a woman's
body, about 6 to 8 months after her last injection. After discontinuing Depo Provera,
women may also have a 6 to 12 month delay in return of fertility."
