Overview
Depo-Provera is a popular brand name for medroxyprogesterone acetate, a contraceptive shot composed of the progestin hormone. Administered as a shot every three months, Depo-Provera naturally stops ovulation, preventing your ovaries from discharging eggs (ova). It also causes cervical mucus thickening to prevent sperms from reaching the ovum.
Is there any variation or type of Depo-Provera?
Medroxyprogesterone acetate is also offered in a reduced dosage. This variety is known as Depo-SubQ Provera 104. Whereas Depo-Provera is injected deep into a muscle, Depo-SubQ Provera 104 is injected just below the skin.
Who can get Depo-Provera?
Most women can go for Depo-Provera. However, it is not suggested for those who have:
- Vaginal bleeding without any known reason
- Breast cancer
- Liver disease
What are the benefits of Depo-Provera?
Here are some of the benefits:
- You need not take it every day or use it before intercourse.
- It is extremely effective.
- It delivers long-term protection as long as you get the injection every three months.
- It doesn’t affect your sexual activity.
What are the risks and side effects of Depo- Provera?
Keep these points in mind:
- Delay in your return to fertility. After discontinuing Depo-Provera, it may take 10 months or more before you start ovulating again. If you plan to conceive in the subsequent year or so, Depo-Provera might not be the correct birth control technique for you.
- Depo-Provera doesn’t offer protection against sexually transmitted infections. Studies suggest that hormonal birth control methods like Depo-Provera might increase your risk of chlamydia and HIV. The use of condoms will decrease your risk of a sexually transmitted infection.
- It might disturb bone mineral density. Depo-Provera and Depo-SubQ Provera 104 may damage the bone mineral density.
Suppose you have added risk factors for osteoporosis, such as a family history of bone loss and certain eating conditions, it is better to ask your doctor regarding the potential dangers and benefits of this birth control method and learn about other preventive choices.
Side effects of the Depo-Provera injection:
- Uneven no No periods at all
- Uneasiness
- Headaches
- Depression
- Vertigo
- Acne
- Fluctuations in appetite
- Weight gain
- Undesirable facial and body hair
- Hair damage
- Loss of bone mineral density
- Stomach discomfort
- Bloating
- Advance bleeding
- Tiredness
- Less interest in sex
- Paleness
How can you prepare for the Depo-Provera injection?
- Consult your doctor about a starting day. You need to confirm you’re not pregnant when you’re given a Depo-Provera shot. Your doctor will probably give you your first dose within seven days after your period starts.
If you’ve just delivered your baby, your first injection is given within five days of delivering, even if you are breastfeeding. You can commence Depo-Provera at different times, but you might require a pregnancy test before injection .
- Prepare for your shot. Your doctor will clean the injection spot with an alcohol pad. After the shot, avoid rubbing the area where the injection was given.
Your doctor might mention that you use a backup method of contraception after your first injection for seven days based on your start date. Backup birth control is not essential after successive injections as long as the schedule is followed.
- Schedule your next injection. Depo-Provera shots should be given every three months. If you hold off injections for more than 13 weeks, you might require to take a pregnancy test before your next dose.
Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment.
What happens after getting the Depo-Provera injection?
Protection begins instantly after the first shot if it’s given during a menstrual period. If administered at another time during the menstrual cycle, wait for seven to ten days before having intercourse without a condom.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which option is better for me: pill or shot?
Birth control pills and the shot are equally effective in preventing conception. To know which technique is apt for you, consider:
- Success rate. Both methods are very effective. The shot has a 94% success rate while pills have 90% success rate.
- Risks. Most women have less to no side effects after taking the birth control pill. Still, you shouldn’t take it if you have a history of blood clots, certain cancers or migraines. And if you smoke, are above 35 years or have had breast cancer, your doctor may recommend that you should not take the pill. You should however also avoid the birth control shot if you have a history of any of those conditions or liver diseases. Other risks associated to the shot include a loss in bone density in women. You should also know that the shot can reduce fertility for up to a year after you stop getting it.
- Your lifestyle. You will have to take the pill daily around the same time to get the best possible outcomes from it. The shot is most effective when you get an injection every three months. Before you choose, consider which technique will fit your routine.
- Cost. The cost of shot is higher than that of pills.
2. Can I switch from the shot to the pill (or vice versa)?
Discuss with your doctor before you make the change. Be certain you have no breaks between the methods. You may also use a backup (such as condoms) during the transition.
If you switch from shot to pill, As Depo-Provera remains in the body for close to15 weeks after the last shot, you can start first birth control pill at any time within that time frame. Many doctors suggest taking your first pill the day your next shot would be due.
If you’re switching from a pill to a shot, get your first injection seven days before you stop taking pills. You need to complete your pill pack before you shift to other approaches.
You may see some changes in your period after you switch birth control methods. That iss normal.
3. Will medical insurance cover this procedure?
Depo-Provera contraceptive injection is usually not covered by medical insurance companies.
