What is Depo-Provera? Depo-Provera, also known as the birth control shot, is an injectable form of hormonal contraception. It is a long-acting progestin-only hormone method of birth control. The birth control shot contains Medroxyprogesterone acetate, which is similar to the natural Progesterone produced by a woman's ovaries during the second half of their menstrual cycle. Depo Provera when received on a regular basis, every 12 weeks, is highly effective at preventing pregnancy.
How does it work? Depo-Provera works in a few different ways to prevent pregnancy. It inhibits the secretion of hormones that stimulate the ovaries, which prevents ovulation, it also thickens the cervical mucus to prevent the entrance of sperm. This injection also thins the uterine lining to prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus.
How effective is it? Depo-Provera is actually one of the most effective methods of hormonal birth control available. When the injections are received every 12 weeks on a routine basis, it is over 99% effective. The birth control shot does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Women are urged to use condoms consistently to decrease their risk of STD's.
How often do you need to repeat the injection? After your initial injection of Depo-Provera, you will be given a date 12 weeks later to return to the office for another injection. It will be repeated every 12 weeks until no longer desired by the patient. If necessary you may receive the shot up to 14 days early or up 7 days late. However, if you have not received your injection within 13 weeks after your last injection, you must immediately begin an alternative method of birth control. Pregnancy testing will be required before you can receive another injection.
What are the benefits of Depo-Provera? The birth control shot provides safe, long acting, highly effective contraception without requiring a woman to think about her birth control method on a daily basis or at the time of intercourse. It does not contain any estrogen, another type of hormone, which means the shot can be a good choice for women who are breastfeeding or cannot take estrogen. The birth control shot often decreases bleeding and cramping with periods. It may also decrease your risk of endometrial & ovarian cancer and has shown no interactions with antibiotics & most other medications. Depo-Provera is fully reversible!
What are the side effects & risks? The side effects are usually not serious, but it is important to realize that once Depo-Provera is injected, it cannot be reversed or neutralized. You will have to live with any side effects until the medicine wears off in 3 months. The most common side affects associated with the birth control shot: Irregular bleeding, weight gain, headache,dizziness, depression, nausea, bloating, fatigue and abdominal discomfort. It's important to remember that the birth control shot does not decrease a woman's fertility and on average fertility returns in about 10-12 months from your last injection. It is recommended that injections be discontinued one year before a pregnancy is desired. If pregnancy occurs within 1-2 months after a Depo-Provera injection, the newborn may be at an increased risk of low birth weight and in turn, an increased risk of death. Use of Depo-Provera has been associated with a decrease in the amount of calcium in your bones with can increase your risk of Osteoporosis.
Talk to your doctor today to determine if Depo-Provera is right for you. To schedule an appointment or if you have any questions please call Professional Gynecological Services anytime.
718.875.4848
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