Depo-Provera®, or the birth control shot, is a highly effective contraceptive method that’s been helping women prevent pregnancy for decades. This injectable form of birth control contains the hormone progestin, and if you’re interested in trying it, it offers several benefits, as well as some considerations to keep in mind.
Here are some important facts about Depo-Provera that every woman should know.
Depo-Provera releases the hormone progestin into your body. Progestin prevents ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovaries. If you don’t ovulate, you can’t get pregnant.
Along with preventing ovulation, progestin thickens your cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to enter your uterus and reach any eggs that might have been released. It also thins the lining of your uterus, which helps prevent a fertilized egg from implanting and growing.
You get Depo-Provera shots at the doctor’s office. We administer it as an injection in your arm or buttocks once every three months (12 weeks).
Depo-Provera is a highly effective birth control option. With perfect use, the failure rate is less than 1%, meaning fewer than one in 100 women get pregnant each year while using Depo-Provera.
With typical use, the birth control shot is about 96% effective. This high level of effectiveness makes Depo-Provera a reliable option for those looking for long-term contraception without the need for daily or frequent attention, like with birth control pills or patches.
One of the biggest advantages of Depo-Provera is its convenience.
Each injection provides protection against pregnancy for 12 weeks, and it eliminates the need for daily pills or other frequent contraceptive measures. This can be particularly beneficial for those with busy lifestyles or who prefer not to think about contraception regularly.
Depo-Provera also provides other benefits beyond preventing pregnancy. Many women experience lighter periods or no periods at all while using the shot, which can be a significant advantage if you experience heavy menstrual bleeding or painful cramps.
And since Depo-Provera doesn’t contain estrogen, it can be a good choice for women who can’t use estrogen-based contraceptives due to health concerns such as a history of blood clots or cardiovascular disease.
Like any medication, Depo-Provera can cause side effects, so be aware of them before starting treatment. Some common side effects include changes in menstrual periods, weight gain, headaches, and mood changes.
Many women experience irregular bleeding or spotting, especially during the first few months of use. Over time, some women may stop having periods altogether.
Depo-Provera can also decrease bone mineral density, which may increase your risk of osteoporosis with long-term use. Discussing these potential side effects with Dr. Coppa and our team can help you weigh the pros and cons and decide if Depo-Provera is right for you.
Depo-Provera is a long-acting reversible contraceptive method. That means it’s not permanent, and you can get pregnant after stopping the birth control shot. But it may take some time for your fertility to return after stopping the injections.
On average, it takes about 10 months for ovulation to resume and for women to conceive after their last injection. If you’re planning to become pregnant soon after discontinuing contraception, this is an important factor to consider.
Depo-Provera is a convenient and highly effective contraceptive option, and it could be a good choice for you. Schedule a birth control consultation with Dr. Coppa to learn more. Request an appointment now through our online portal or call the office nearest you.
