Depo-Provera

What Is It?

Depo-provera is an injectable synthetic hormone similar to the natural hormone progesterone which is produced by the ovaries during the second half of your menstrual cycle.

How Does It Work?

It prevents the release of an egg from the ovary. When there is no ripe egg to be fertilized by the sperm, pregnancy cannot occur.

How Effective Is It?

It is 99.7% effective.

Benefits

You don't have to remember to take it every day. You will have a lighter period or no period at all. The injection is given in the privacy of our office.

Does Depo-provera Protect From STDs?

Depo-provera does NOT protect you from HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms must be used correctly every time to reduce this risk. The use of spermicidal foam will also help reduce this risk.

You Should Not Use Depo-provera If:

• you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
• you want to become pregnant in the near future
• you have unusual or unexplained vaginal bleeding that your health practitioner doesn't know about
• you have lumps, swelling or tenderness of the breast that your health practitioner doesn't know about
• you have problems with your liver or liver disease (e.g., hepatitis)
• you have a history of stroke or blood clots
• you are currently taking blood-thinning medication (e.g., warfarin)
• you have allergies to any medications or medical products.

Your health practitioner will discuss these issues with you.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Changes in Menstrual Patterns:
For the first three to six months, most women have irregular, unpredictable or even continuous bleeding that can be heavy or light. This might be inconvenient but it is normal because of the changes caused in the lining of the uterus. Sixty percent of women no longer have regular periods at the end of the first year. This lack of bleeding is NOT a sign of pregnancy.

Return of Fertility:
Most women must wait from six to 12 months after the last injection to start ovulating, have regular periods, and be able to become pregnant.

Weight Changes:
Weight gain is common. You may want to think about sources of excess calories in your daily diet.

Bone Loss:
The use of Depo-provera may cause a decrease in bone density.  It may put some clients at an increased risk of osteoporosis.  We would encourage you to consider your diet and to increase sources of calcium.  Otherwise a calcium and vitamin D supplement may be required on a daily basis.

Other Side Effects:
The injection itself will cause slight pain and a small lump may appear under the skin. The lump will disappear in a few days. Contact your health practitioner if you experience headaches, depression, or frequent urination. Studies have failed to demonstrate a sign of increased risk of breast or cervical cancer in women who use depo-provera.

How Is It Given?

You get one injection of depo-provera every three months. This means you need to schedule four injections per year. It can be given as early as 10 weeks but no later than 13 weeks. It is given in the muscle of the upper arm.

First Injection:
This is given within the first five days from the beginning of a menstrual period. If your bleeding pattern is irregular, have a pregnancy test before your first injection. DO NOT USE DEPO-PROVERA IF YOU ARE PREGNANT or think that you may be pregnant as it may interfere with the normal development of your baby. It might not prevent you from getting pregnant for the first three to four weeks after the injection. Use another non-hormonal (not the pill) method of birth control such as condoms and foam, diaphragm, sponge or abstinence.

Repeat Injections:
These are given every three months, or between 10 and 13 weeks after the previous injection.

Cost:
$ 15.00 per injection

Sexual Health Clinic Locations in Grey Bruce

Reproduced from information provided by: Pharmacia & Upjohn, Ontario, Canada, and Contraceptive Technology 1997.