Depo-Provera

“Depo”  

General Information

Depo-Provera is a highly effective (99%), progestin-only contraceptive shot.

Depo prevents ovulation and thickens cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to enter your uterus.  If no egg meets the sperm, pregnancy can't occur. In addition to preventing pregnancy, Depo may the decrease a woman’s risk of endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, and pelvic inflammatory disease.  Depo can also decrease menstrual cramps and lead to shorter, lighter periods.

Depo may cause a loss of bone mineral density.  Bone loss increases the longer you are on Depo and may not be completely reversible.  Increase your calcium and vitamin D intake and exercise regularly while on Depo. Depo does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections. 

View the company website for more information: http://www.depoprovera.com

Starting Depo-Provera

• Your first shot should be injected during or within the first 5 days of your period.
• Depo becomes effective within 24 hours of each injection.
• Return to your provider every 12 weeks for another injection.  Make your appointments early to allow for rescheduling time if necessary.
• If you are more than a week late for your shot:
• Use a backup method of birth control for two weeks.
• If you are more than a week late and you have had unprotected sex:
• Take a pregnancy test before receiving your next shot.

 Discontinuing Depo-Provera

If you do not want to be pregnant:

• Please call your clinician before discontinuing Depo so you can discuss alternative birth control methods.

If you switch to another hormonal birth control:

• Start your new method on the date your next injection is due & use a back-up method of contraception for 1 week.

If you wish to get pregnant:

• Use a non-hormonal birth control such as condoms and spermicide, until you have had 3 normal periods.
• Your periods may be irregular after discontinuing Depo because you are adjusting to not taking hormones. 
• Depo is not immediately reversible and fertility may be delayed 6 to 12 months after receiving your last injection.  

Side Effects

As the body adjusts to hormonal changes women may experience some minor side effects, including:

• Headache, Nausea, Mood Changes, Fatigue
• Weight gain (70% gain 5 lbs/yr)
• Irregular bleeding/loss of menses (50% have no bleeding after 1 year)
• Breast tenderness
• Decreased bone density
• Hair loss

Danger Signs

Call Mabel Wadsworth Center if you experience any of the following ACHES:

• Abdominal pains (severe)
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Headaches (severe)
• Eye problems, such as blurred vision
• Severe leg or arm pain or numbness

Always inform any medical provider that you are taking Depo-Provera. 

Call Mabel Wadsworth Women's Health Center if you have any questions about Depo.

<< Back To Contraceptive Options