Depo-Provera

Depo-Provera as long-term contraceptive

Many women don’t want to have to remember to take an oral contraceptive daily. The use of Depo-Provera allows them to get an injection from their doctor every three months and then they can forget about it the rest of the time. This form of contraception works in two ways.

First it prevents the eggs from being released from the ovaries. At the same time it prevents sperm from being able to reach the eggs. It is very important to keep all appointments for the injections in order to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

Depo-Provera Precautions

The injection of Depo-Provera can sting due to the fact that it has to be injected very deep into a muscle. There are some people that aren’t eligible to use Depo-Provera based on their medical history. It is very important for the patient to be honest about their health so that a correct assessment can be made. Any woman with a history of seizures, Sickle Cell Anemia, an iron deficiency, or endometriosis shouldn’t use this form of birth control.

Depo-Provera Side Effects

While many women use this form of birth control without incident others do experience an array of side effects. They may include loss of bone density, weight gain, tenderness around the breasts, abdominal pain, headaches, acne, anxiety, and depression. It is important to tell the doctor if any forms of such side effects are taking place.

There are some very serious side effects that you want to be alert about. If you think you may have a blood clot, the skin is turning yellowish, there is very heavy bleeding during the menstrual cycle, or there is a loss of vision it is important to seek immediate medical attention.

Depo-Provera Success Rate

It is important to understand that Depo-Provera can’t protect against all pregnancy. It is estimated that 3 out of every 100 women will get pregnant during the first year of using this method of birth control. It also offers no protection at all against STDs. Women who are breastfeeding a child can use this method of birth control successfully without it causing any adverse effects to their young child.