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DEPO PROVERA

Depo Provera (DMPA) is a contraceptive injection given to a woman every 11 to 13 weeks. It contains the hormone progesterone.

HOW IT WORKS:

Depo Provera prevents pregnancy by preventing eggs from being released from the ovaries and causing changes in the cervix and the lining of the uterus. It does not prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections.

HOW TO USE:

The first shot is usually given while a women is having her period, although it can be given at any time it is certain that the woman is not pregnant. A complete physical exam with a pap smear is usually performed before the woman is given the first injection. The woman must then return to the clinic every 11 to 13 weeks to receive another injection. A back-up method of birth control such as condoms should be used for the first week after starting Depo Provera.

EFFECTIVENESS:

The failure rate for Depo Provera is 0.3%. This means that during the first year of use, 3 out of 1000 women who use Depo Provera will become pregnant.

ADVANTAGES:

• Very effective
• Decreases menstrual cramps and pain
• Does not interfere with intercourse
• Decreases risk for uterine and ovarian cancers
• Lasts for 3 months
• Decrease in anemia
• No one can tell if you're using it
• Decreases risk of developing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

SIDE EFFECTS:

All women who use Depo Provera will have changes in their periods. A women may not know when she will have her period. Periods may be shorter or longer. Some women may have spotting continuously until the shot wears off. 50% of women who use Depo Provera for 1 year will no longer have periods. This is not a health problem. Depo Provera stops the menstrual cycle, therefore there is no uterine lining to be shed each month.

It may take a while for a woman to regain fertility (the ability to get pregnant) after discontinuing Depo Provera. 2/3rds of women will be able to become pregnant within a year, but it may take up to 18 months.

Other possible side effects include:

• Breast tenderness
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Weakness or fatigue
• Nervousness
• Depression
• Increase or decrease in sex drive
• Weight gain
• Increased risk for osteoporosis

While some of these side effects may disappear on their own with continued use, others may not go away until the shot wears off.

SEVERE SIDE EFFECTS:

As with most medications, there are some possible severe side effects associated with Depo Provera. They include convulsions, excessive weight gain, severe depression, heavy bleeding, and an allergic reaction. Although they are rare, you should be aware of them. Contact Women’s Clinic or go to an emergency room if you experience any of them.