Depo-Provera
1. What is Depo-provera?
It is a birth control method which is given as an intramuscular injection 3 monthly containing a synthetic hormone progestin called depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA).
2. How does it prevent pregnancy?
- It prevents ovulation
- It thickens the cervical mucus preventing the sperm from entering the uterus (womb) and fertilizing an egg
- It prevents implantation by thinning out the inner lining of the uterus.
3. What is the effectiveness of Depo-provera in preventing pregnancy?
It is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy when used correctly.
4. Can anyone use Depo-provera?
These women below should not use the Depo-provera:
- You do not want to have any changes in your menstrual cycle.
- You want to conceive within the next one year.
- You have a history of blood clots, heart attacks, diabetes, liver or gall bladder disease.
- You have breast cancer currently or within the last 5 years.
- High risk of developing osteoporosis.
5. What are the advantages of Depo-provera?
- Requires only 3 monthly injections. You do not need to take it every day.
- Does not affect sexual activity.
- Causes lighter period and in some women no menses at all.
- Does not contain the estrogen hormone.
6. What are the disadvantages of Depo Provera?
- Requires intramuscular injection which could be painful.
- Cause changes in your menstrual cycle. It could either be irregular, scanty or heavy and prolonged. Sometimes, you do not have any menses at all.
- Does not protect against sexually transmitted disease.
- May cause a delay in return of fertility or menses after ceasing the Depo-provera. Usually, your ovulation returns within 3 – 6 months. However, in some women it could be delayed up to 12 – 18 months.
- Side effects such as nausea, breast tenderness, dizziness, weight gain of up to 2 -3kg in one year, acne, reduced sexual drive.
