Depo-Provera

Depo-Provera Injection is a birth control method for women. It is made up of a hormone similar to progesterone, which is naturally produced in the body. It helps to prevent the development and release of egg from the ovaries during menstrual cycle thus prevents pregnancy.

The first dose is usually given within 5 days of starting of your period. It is given as an injection into the muscle of the arm or buttocks, either by a doctor or nurse. A single dose of this injection is effective for 12 weeks. Therefore, after every 12 weeks you need to take this injection to avoid pregnancy.

No, Depo-Provera Injection is only 97% effective, which means 3 out of 100 women using Depo-Provera Injection may get pregnant. However, if you are taking every dose on time then the medicine can be more than 99% effective.

Yes, your fertility returns to normal after a few months of stopping Depo-Provera Injection (on average three months, but it may take up to 1 year). However, if you are planning to get pregnant soon, avoid taking Depo-Provera Injection unless otherwise prescribed by your doctor.

The side effects associated with Depo-Provera Injection include irregular menstrual periods or no periods at all, weight gain, headache, stomach pain, dizziness, acne and breast tenderness. Do not worry, as most of these side effects are temporary. However, if these side effects persist, consult your doctor.

Depo-Provera Injection starts working immediately if given within the first 5 days of beginning of your periods. But, if you receive the dose at another time of your menstrual cycle then it may take about 7 to 10 days to show effectiveness. Therefore, during these days, you must use some other contraceptive method such as condoms to avoid pregnancy.

Depo-Provera Injection is almost 100% effective and has many advantages. A single dose works for at least 12 weeks. During that time, you do not need to take daily oral contraceptive pills. It does not interfere with sexual intercourse. Moreover, it also reduces the risk of endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus) by 80%. It may also be helpful in relieving painful periods.

Depo-Provera Injection injections should be given every 12 weeks. If you wait longer than 13 weeks between injections, you may need to take a pregnancy test before your next injection. You should opt for other methods of contraception, like condoms, for 14 days after having the late injection.