For information about receiving prescription contraceptives at Hudson Health Center, click here.
Depo-Provera is an injectable form of contraception (that is, it is given as a shot) that protects you against pregnancy for a full 3 months. Its active ingredient is a chemical similar to progesterone that is produced by the ovaries during the second half of the menstrual cycle. A doctor prescribes Depo-Provera, but a doctor, nurse or other health care provider may give the injection.
Depo-Provera acts by preventing egg cells from ripening. If an egg is not released from the ovaries during a woman's cycle, sperm cannot fertilize it in pregnancy. Depo-Provera also causes changes in the lining of the uterus that makes it less likely for pregnancy to occur.
Depo-Provera is 99.7% effective, making it one of the most reliable methods of birth control available.
Advantages:
Does not contain estrogen, which is a hormone found in most oral contraceptives
A long lasting form of contraception that gives contraceptive protection for the next 3 months - there is no daily pill to remember
Cannot be expelled from the body, as can sometimes happen with IUD's
Offers greater convenience and privacy than barrier methods
Is reversible - when wanting to stop using Depo-Provera, simply do not get the next injection. Most women can get pregnant within 12-18 months after the last injection.
Can be used by nursing mothers
It is private. With Depo-Provera, there are no packets to keep track of and it cannot be seen or felt, like implants sometimes can
Disadvantages
During the first year of use, most women who use Depo-Provera will note changes in their menstrual periods. These changes could include...
Irregular or unpredictable bleeding or spotting
Increase or decrease in menstrual bleeding
No bleeding at all
It is important to note that any unusually heavy or continuous bleeding should be reported to a health care provider. Lack of menstruation when using Depo-Provera does not mean a woman is pregnant if she has been receiving injections regularly every 3 months.
Side effects include, most commonly:
Irregular Menstrual Bleeding
Amenorrhea
Weight Gain
Headaches
Nervousness
Stomach Pain or Cramps
Dizziness
Weakness or Fatigue
Decreased Sex Drive
Many women who experience side effects during the first few months of use report that these decrease over time.
You should not use Depo-Provera if you:
Think you might be pregnant
Have any undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
Have had cancer of the breast or reproductive organs
Have had a stroke
Have or have had blood clots (phlebitis) in your legs
Have had problems with your liver or liver disease
Are allergic to Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate or any of its other ingredients)
Hudson Health Center Athens, Ohio 45701 T: (740) 593-1660
