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The birth control shot contains a medicine called
Depo-Provera,
a hormone much like the progesterone a woman produces during the last 2
weeks of each monthly cycle. It stops the woman from releasing an egg and
provides other contraceptive effects. Many clinics recommend that you use
a backup method of birth control for a week after your first shot. Among
typical couples who initiate use of Depo-Provera, about 3 in 1000 will
experience an accidental pregnancy in the first year. Complete information
about this contraceptive is available from your clinician or from the
package insert that is provided when you are given Depo-Provera injections.
- Nothing must to be taken daily or used at the time of sexual intercourse.
- Depo-Provera is extremely effective. If women receive their injections on time (every 3 months or 13 weeks), only 3 women in 1000 will become pregnant during the course of one year.
- Women lose less blood using Depo-Provera and have less menstrual cramping. Often after 3 injections women stop having periods. This is safe.
- Privacy is a major advantage. No one has to know you are using this method.
- Nursing mothers can receive Depo-Provera injections. It's best after the baby is 6 weeks old.
- It's OK to start a new contraceptive if fewer than 13 weeks have passed since the last shot.
- Depo-Provera may improve PMS, depression, and symptoms from endometriosis.
- Depo-Provera injections can lead to very irregular periods. If your bleeding pattern is bothersome to you, you can take medications which will give you a more acceptable bleeding pattern.
- Some women gain weight. To avoid weight gain, eat a healthy diet and get lots of exercise.
- Depo-Provera does not protect you from AIDS or other infections. Use condoms if you are at risk.
- You have to return to the clinic every 3 months for your injection.
- Depression and premenstrual symptoms may become worse.
- It may take a couple of months before your periods return to normal after your last shot.
- Depo-Provera may lower your estrogen level and cause bone loss, although this is not certain. Get regular exercise and consider taking extra calcium to protect your bones from osteoporosis.
- A few women are allergic to Depo-Provera. Fortunately, allergic reactions are rare.
You can get Depo-Provera injections from your clinician, health department,
or family planning clinic. Most clinics provide the first shot when a woman
has her period or within 7 days of the start of her period. What if
I have sex and I am late for my shot? Be sure to use condoms or another
method.
For 72 hours AFTER unprotected sex, you can take emergency
contraceptive pills to avoid becoming pregnant. For up to 7 days AFTER
unprotected sex, you can have an IUD
put in. Not all clinicians know about emergency contraception. If you want
more information or would like the phone numbers of clinicians near you
who prescribe emergency contraception, CALL the toll-free hotline 1-888-NOT-2-LATE
or 1-800-584-9911. Some of these sources of help are free.
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medication methods
foam
the pill
mini pill
depo provera shot
emergency pills
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