Depo-Provera

What is Depo-Provera?

Depo-Provera is a form of birth control. It is given by injection. You can get an injection every three months to prevent yourself from getting pregnant. Women in more than 100 countries, including the United States, use Depo-Provera as birth control. The World Health Organization approved it as a method of birth control in 1993. Depo-Provera has been used as a birth control method in Canada for many years, but only in 1997 did it receive official approval as a birth control method.

How does Depo-Provera work?

If you use Depo-Provera, your ovaries will not release an egg each month. It also thins the endometrium (lining of the uterus) so that it is harder for a fertilized egg to attach. It also makes the mucus found in the cervix thicker. The cervix is the opening to the uterus.

How effective is Depo-Provera?

You have to get the injection every three months. Out of 100 women who use this method, about 99 of them will not get pregnant.

How do you use Depo-Provera?

Depo-Provera is a medication. A doctor will give you a prescription. A doctor or counsellor will give you the Depo-Provera. You must go to a doctor or a clinic every three months for the injection.

  • You will get the first shot when you are having your period.

  • You should use another kind of birth control for two weeks after the first injection.

What are the advantages of Depo-Provera?

  • The chances of getting pregnant are very low.

  • You only have to get an injection once every three months.

  • You might not get cramps before and during your period.

  • You might not bleed as much during your period. Some women stop having periods at all.

  • You may use this method if you are breast feeding.

  • Your chances of getting some kinds of cancer are lower.

  • You might be able to use this method even if you cannot use the birth control pill.

  • You don’t need to keep any birth control supplies at home.

What are the disadvantages of Depo-Provera?

  • You will have irregular bleeding. Some women stop having periods completely and some women bleed between their periods.

  • It is an injection.

  • You must go to the doctor or clinic every three months for the injection.

  • If you are late in getting your injection, your chances of getting pregnant are higher.

  • You might get some side effects like headaches, dizziness, bloating, tender breasts, mood changes and weight gain.

  • You are not protected against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

  • If you want to get pregnant in the future, it may take you up to two years after getting the last Depo-Provera injection

  • Women at risk for osteoporosis (a disease-causing brittle bones) may not be able to use this method.

Where can you get Depo-Provera?

Birth control clinics and physicians can provide Depo-Provera.