| |
|
Depo-Provera
("the shot")
|
|
What Is
It? |
Depo-Provera® is a progestin-only injectable contraceptive. It is an injection of the hormone progestin. It is administered every 3 months by a medical provider. |
|
How Does
It Work? |
Thickens cervical mucus, blocking sperm. Prevents
ovulation. Prevents implantation of fertilized
egg. |
|
How Is
It Used? |
The woman is given an injection into the musle of the upper
arm or buttocks or an injection into the fatty tissue of the abdomen or thigh every three months. |
|
How Well
Does It Work? |
Typical use: 97%. Perfect use: 99.7%. Works for
12 weeks. Failure rate increased if shot is not
repeated every 12 weeks. |
|
What Are
Its Main Advantages? |
Lasts for 3 months. Does not interfere with sex.
Can be used by women with a history of seizures
(reduces seizures) or sickle cell anemia. Can
be used while breastfeeding. |
| What Are
Some Possible Problems? |
Need to return for shot every 3 months. Menstrual
changes are common including: irregular bleeding,
spotting, missed periods, or no periods. Side
effects: weight gain, depression, breast tenderness,
headaches, allergic reaction. Side effects may
last for up to 6 months after the last injection.
May cause delay in ability to get pregnant after
discontinuation. May cause bone density changes
or bone loss; adverse effects on lipids. |
Warning |
BLACK BOX WARNING: Women who use DMPA may lose significant bone mineral density. Bone loss is greater with increasing duration of use and may not be completely reversible. It is unknown if use of DMPA during adolescence or early adulthood, a critical period of bone accretion, will reduce peak bone mass and increase the risk for osteoporotic fracture in later life. DMPA should be used as a long-term birth control method (e.g., longer than 2 years) only if other birth control methods are inadequate.
|
Source: Contraceptive Technology: Seventeenth
Revised Edition, Hatcher RA, Trussel J., et al., New
York, NY; Irvington Publishers, 1998.
|
 |
Abstinence
Calendar/Rhythm
Ortho Evra
 Depo-Provera
Diaphragm
Emergency Contraceptive Pills
Female Condom
Female Sterilization
IUD
NuvaRing
Male Condom
Male Sterilization
The MiniPill
Natural Family Planning
Implanon®
The Pill
Vaginal Spermicides
Withdrawal
|
