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What is Depo-Provera?

Depo-Provera is a progestin–only birth control type. It is injected by your healthcare provider into your arm or buttocks every three months. Pregnancy prevention starts within 24 hours of being injected.

How does it prevent pregnancy?

Depo-Provera works in three ways:

• Supresses ovulation
• Makes the cervical mucus thick and tacky to help prevent the sperm from reaching the egg
• Changes the uterine lining to stop the fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus.

How effective is Depo-Provera?

Depo-Provera is so effective that out of 1,000 women who use it correctly and consistently, only three will become pregnant during the first year of use. The shot will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases. Using a condom will help to prevent the transmission of many STDs as well as offer you extra protection against pregnancy.

Who can use the shot?

Most women can use the shot. It may be best for you if:

• You want very effective long-lasting birth control
• Cannot take estrogen (Depo-Provera is progestin only)
• Are unable to use other routine barrier methods (like a diaphragm) or take a daily pill

It may not be best for if you have:

• Current serious blood clotting conditions
• High blood pressure
• High risk for heart disease
• A history of severe depression
• Liver disease, such as hepatitis, abnormal results on liver function tests, or a history of liver tumors

Are there any side effects?

In the first six to twelve months, irregular bleeding is the most common side effect for women using Depo-Provera.
Periods become fewer and lighter for most women, and often stop altogether. The longer a woman uses the shot, the more likely her periods will stop. It may take up to a year for periods to return after a woman's last shot.

• Some women will have longer, heavier periods.
• Some may have increased light spotting and breakthrough bleeding.
• Women who use the shot may have temporary bone thinning.

Less common side effects include:

• Change in libido
• Change of appetite, weight gain
• Depression
• Hair loss, or increased hair on the face or body
• Headache
• Nausea
• Nervousness, dizziness
• Skin rash or spotty darkening of the skin
• Tender breasts

Warning Signs
Serious problems are rare. Tell your physician immediately if you have:

• A new lump in your breast
• Major depression
• Severe pain in the stomach or abdomen
• Unusually heavy or prolonged vaginal bleeding
• Yellowing of skin or eyes

If side effects persist or worsen while taking Depo-Provera contact your doctor right away.

BirthControlBuzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, birth control types (prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase pharmaceuticals on-line. For more information, call 1-866-732-0305 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/ Stumble It!

posted by BirthControlBuzz @ 11:27 AM