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Depo-Provera is an effective, long-term form of birth
control. It consists of four shots given once every twelve weeks in
the arm or the buttocks. These shots contain a hormone called depot-medroxyprogesterone
(DMPA). The shots contain no estrogen. Depo-Provera works by creating
a "resting state" in the ovaries, which means that a woman
receiving Depo-Provera shots does not release the egg that she would
normally release one during menstruation. It also thickens the mucous
lining of the cervix to prevent sperm from passing through. Depo-Provera's
protection is immediate if a woman receives the shot within the first
five days of getting her period. If she receives the shot later than
that, backup birth control (such as condoms) should be used for two
weeks.
Once going off Depo-Provera, it can take up to one year for a woman
to conceive.
Depo-Provera is 99.7% effective as contraception. It does not,
however, protect against STDs/STIs.
The total cost of Depo-Provera, including a physical examination and
the shots, can be between $215-$545 dollars a year, depending on the
location of treatment.
Common side effects of treatment with Depo-Provera include unpredictable
menstrual bleeding, spotting during the first 6 months of treatment,
and loss of periods after the first year. Some women also experience
slight weight gain, nervousness, dizziness, stomach discomfort, headache,
or fatigue. There is also a risk of decrease of calcium stored in the
bones, which can lead to a change in bone density.
Depo-Provera is an appropriate contraceptive device if:
A woman wants effective, long lasting contraception A woman cannot take estrogen contraception (if, for example, she
smokes cigarettes)
A woman should not use Depo-Provera if:
She is pregnant or might be pregnant, or wants to become pregnant
within 18 months She has a history of unusual vaginal bleeding There is a family history of breast cancer, stroke, blood clots,
or liver disease She has or has had serious liver disease such as hepatitis or growths
in the liver She has Cushings syndrome and is being treated with Cytradin She is allergic to DMPA She cannot deal with irregular bleeding or period loss
Contact a clinician if any of these side effects occur:
Vaginal bleeding that's longer or heavier than usual period Major depression A lump in the breast Sudden or severe abdominal pains Yellowing of skin or eyes
Sources:
"Depo-Provera," http://www.depo-provera.com,
11/30/01
"Is Depo-Provera right for you?" http://www.plannedparenthood.org/birthcontrol/depoforyou.htm,
11/30/01
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