Overview
Depo-Provera, the brand name of the medication medroxyprogesterone acetate, is used to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Although it is one of the most effective methods of birth control available, it does have its disadvantages and is not for everyone. Women should take the time to learn about both the advantages and risks involved with taking Depo-Provera before deciding if it is the right contraceptive choice for them.
Function
Depo-Provera prevents pregnancy by mimicking the way the natural hormone progesterone works to regulate a woman’s ovaries. It prevents ovulation from occurring, but also may thicken the cervical mucus to act as a barrier against sperm and changes the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation.
Effectiveness
Depo-Provera is one of the most effective methods of birth control available when used correctly and consistently. The American Pregnancy Association states that it has a failure rate of less than 1 percent when used perfectly, with only 3 in 1,000 women getting pregnant while taking it. However, it is not effective at protecting against sexually transmitted diseases and should be used only for the prevention of pregnancy.
Time Frames
The first injection of Depo-Provera is given within five days after the start of a period, and a new injection is needed once every three months thereafter. Although pregnancy is possible if a woman does not receive her next injection at or before the three-month mark, couples trying to conceive after taking Depo-Provera should understand that it takes an average of nine to 10 months to get pregnant after getting the last shot, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Also, women should not use the Depo-Provera shot for more than two years because it may cause a loss of calcium that is stored in the bones, which may lead to osteoporosis.
Side Effects
Irregular bleeding is the most common side effect of Depo-Provera, according to the AAFP. This irregular bleeding may come in the form of light spotting, breakthrough bleeding between periods or an increase or decrease in the menstrual period flow. The AAFP states that after one year of use, 50 percent of women stop bleeding from menstruation completely. Weight gain is another common side effect of Depo-Provera. Drugs.com states that women with an average body weight of 136 pounds gained over 5 pounds after one year of use and over 8 pounds from two years of use. Women who stayed on the drug longer than two years also gained an additional amount of weight. Other side effects include headaches, abdominal discomfort, weakness, dizziness, nervousness and fatigue.
Considerations
Depo-Provera is not right for everyone. While the AAFP states that Depo-Provera can be used safely in women who are breastfeeding, women with certain medical histories should avoid using this medication. These include women with a history of blood clots, strokes, liver disease, unexplained vaginal bleeding, breast cancer, cancers of the reproductive organs and those who may be pregnant. Those with a confirmed or suspected allergy to the medication in Depo-Provera should also refrain from using this product.
Warning
Although severe reactions to Depo-Provera are rare, some reactions require immediate medical attention. Call a doctor for things like heavy or prolonged vaginal bleeding, major depression, intense pain in the abdomen, lumps in the breast, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, the American Pregnancy Association warns.
About this Author
Elizabeth M. Wolfenden has been a professional freelance writer since 2005 with articles published on a variety of niche blogs and websites. She specializes in the areas of psychology, mental health, education, pregnancy and reproductive health. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in counseling from Oakland University.
