Depo Provera or “Depo” is a hormone injection (shot) that lasts for 3 months to prevent pregnancy. The injection does not contain estrogen so it is safe for women with certain health problems (blood clots, high blood pressure) or women who are breastfeeding. “Depo” does not protect against Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and is 97 to 99% effective as a birth control.
To learn more or to determine if this is the right birth control option for you, talk with your Oakdale ObGyn doctor or nurse practitioner.
How ‘Depo” works
A “Depo” hormone shot or injection stops the ovaries from releasing eggs. It thickens the cervical (cervix) mucus and changes the uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to enter or survive in the uterus. These changes prevent fertilization or pregnancy.
Your Oakdale ObGyn doctor or nurse practitioner will give you a “Depo” shot in your arm or hip. The first shot is usually given within the first 5 days after the start of a normal menstrual period. If you have just given birth and are not breastfeeding, the shot is given in the first 5 days after birth. If you are breast feeding, the shot is given 6 weeks after delivery. The shot is effective 24 hours after it is given and lasts for 13 weeks. Many women find it useful to schedule their next shot slightly earlier than necessary.
The lab staff at Oakdale ObGyn will call you when to return for your 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 late coming in for your Depo Provera shot you may be asked to take a pregnancy test in the office, avoid sex, and return in two weeks for another pregnancy test and your injection.
Side Effects of Depo Provera
There are a number of side effects associated with taking “Depo.”
Side effects:
- Seventy percent of women who use 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, 50% of women stop having periods. Lack of a period becomes increasingly common with longer use.
- Other side effects include headaches, nervousness, mood changes, bloating, hot flashes, decreased interest in sex, breast tenderness, acne, hair loss, and back acne.
- After the last shot of Depo Provera, it can take more than 6 months for the drug to leave the body. Side effects may linger until the drug is completely gone.
Depo Provera should be used for long-term birth control (more than 2 years) only if other forms of birth control cannot be used. Some women have allergic reactions to Depo Provera. The effects of Depo Provera on breast cancer are still unknown.
Risks of the Depo Provera shot
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
- Breast Cancer
- History of blood clots
- Liver disease
Depo Provera may not be recommended for women who are planning to become pregnant in the near future, are concerned about weight gain, have liver disease, gallbladder disease, or a history of depression.
There are known health risks. Studies show that Depo Provera is associated with loss of bone density (bone loss) after 2 years of use, resulting in an increased risk of osteoporosis (fragile bones). The bone loss appears to be at least partially reversible when you stop using Depo Provera. Women on Depo Provera are advised to exercise and take plenty of calcium and Vitamin D. Talk with your Oakdale ObGyn provider about these supplements.
Disadvantages of Depo Provera
- 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 of fertility
- Irregular bleeding
- Most women experience weight gain
Benefits of Depo Provera
There are a number of health benefits. Women on Depo Provera have 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 (low iron levels).
Advantages of Depo Provera
- Private
- Effective after 24 hours
- Does not require regular attention
- Does not interrupt sex play
- Has no estrogen
- May decrease risk of ovarian and uterine cancers
- Women can start Depo Provera 6 weeks after giving birth
Future Fertility
Because Depo Provera is a long-acting birth control option, it takes time after the last shot for the effects to wear off. Studies show that when women stop using Depo Provera to become pregnant, 50% of the women become pregnant in 10 months and 93% become pregnant within 18 months.
To learn more or to determine if this is the right birth control option for you, talk with your Oakdale ObGyn doctor or nurse practitioner.