(LONG ACTING INJECTABLE CONTRACEPTION)

A shot of a synthetic hormone (progesterone) given every three months to prevent pregnancy. The shot is given within 5 days after the onset of a menstral period. It is used in over 90 countries as an injectable contraceptive.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

It stops the ovary from releasing an egg each month. Pregnancy is therefore prevented. Changes in the cervical mucus make sperm unable to survive. Also, the lining of the uterus becomes unsuitable for implantation.

HOW EFFECTIVE IS THE SHOT

Depo Provera is 99.7 percent effective in preventing pregnancy if given every three months. It is required that the first shot be given during your period, and a back up method of birth control be used for the first 2 weeks after the first injection is given.

HOW REVERSIBLE IS THE SHOT

It takes about 12 to 18 months for the effects of the hormones to wear off. If you choose to bave a baby after discontinuing the shots, it may take you 12 to 18 months to become pregnant. The possibility of infertility caused by Depo Provera has not been completely studied.

WHO SHOULD USE THE SHOT

Women who do not want to take birth control pills, who forget to take the pill, and women who DO NOT have problems with the pill or conditions which preclude the use of the pill are good candidates for Depo Provera.

WHO STOULD NOT USE DEPO-PROVERA?

Unfortunately, the perfect method of birth control has yet to be designed and most methods have disadvantages. Most methods have risks and precautions involved in their use.

You should not use Depo-Provera if you:

- think you may be pregnant

- are uncomfortable with irregular periods

- cannot return to a clinic every 3 months

- are planning a pregnancy in the next one or two years

- have or have had blood clots in the legs

- have any vaginal bleeding without a known cause

- have had cancer of the breast or reproductive organs

- have had a stroke

- have had problems with the liver or liver disease

Your doctor or medical professional will complete a medical history before Depo-Provera can be prescribed.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS WITH THE DEPO PROVERA INJECTION?

Some problems include extreme weight gain, hair loss, severe depression, irregular or no menstrual periods, headaches, nervousness, stomach pain or cramps, dizziness, weakness or fatigue, decreased sex drive, and acne.

BACK TO INFORMATION CENTER