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Depo-Provera: Quarterly Injection
What is
Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera is an
injection containing the synthetic hormone progestin which is
called depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). Depo-Provera is
a hormonal method of contraception obtained by
prescription.
How does Depo-Provera
work?
Depo-Provera works
through the synthetic hormone (DMPA) which helps regulate a
woman's ovaries similar to the way the natural hormone
progesterone works.
Depo-Provera prevents pregnancy in one
of three ways:
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First, it prevents the ovaries
from releasing an egg, which is also known as
ovulation.
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Second, it thickens the
cervical mucus which acts as a barrier preventing
the sperm from reaching the egg.
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Third, it changes the lining of
the uterus preventing implantation. Ethical
Consideration.
How do you use
Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera is a
prescription and the injection is obtained from your healthcare
provider every 11 to 13 weeks. The healthcare provider will
inject the synthetic hormone in the upper arm or in the
buttocks. The initial injection is given within the first five
days of your menstrual bleeding. Follow up injections are
repeated every 11 to 13 weeks.
How effective is
Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera has a
failure rate of less than 1% when it is used correctly and
consistently. When used correctly only three in 1,000 women
will get pregnant. You should take a pregnancy test if you are
experiencing any pregnancy symptoms.
What are the side effects or health
risks of Depo-Provera?
Irregular bleeding is
the most common side effect. For some there may be increased
light spotting and breakthrough bleeding, whereas others may
experience longer and heavier bleeding. For most women, after a
year of use periods usually become fewer and lighter or may
stop altogether.
Depo-Provera has side
effects similar to those experienced by users of oral or other
hormonal types of contraception which include:
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Headaches
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Dizziness
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Nausea
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Breast tenderness
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Fatigue
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Moderate weight gain
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Change of appetite
Other reported side
effects include: acne, anxiety, backaches, bloating,
depression, leg cramps, hair loss or excessive hair growth, or
loss of sex drive.
You should not use the
injections if you think you are pregnant; consult your
physician about using Depo-Provera while
breastfeeding.
When should I contact my healthcare
provider?
Contact your healthcare
provider immediately if you experience any of the
following:
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Heavy or prolonged vaginal
bleeding
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Intense pain in the abdominal
area
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Major depression
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Yellowing of skin or
eyes
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Any new lumps in your
breast
Women who wish to use
Depo-Provera should seek additional consultations with their
physician if they are experiencing any of the following medical
concerns:
Is Depo-Provera
reversible?
Yes. However it may take
several months before your cycle returns to normal. Ovulation
usually returns within three to six months for most women;
however it is possible that you may not have your cycle for 12
to 18 months after discontinuing the injections.
Pregnancy is possible
when you stop using the birth control injections, but it may be
delayed. This method of birth control is not recommended for
someone who wants to get pregnant quickly after discontinuing
use.
How much does Depo-Provera
cost?
There are two fees
associated with the use of the birth control injections: 1) the
doctor's visit and 2) the quarterly injections.
What about Depo-Provera and sexually
transmitted diseases (STD's)?
Depo-Provera does NOT
provide protection against the transmission of sexually
transmitted diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions About
Depo-Provera:
When does it
start to work? If the injection is given between the
first and last day of your menstrual flow, the protection
against pregnancy begins immediately.
What if I miss
an injection? If you miss an injection you will need
to use another form of birth control until you get your next
injection.
What are the pros and cons for
Depo-Provera?
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