Depo-Provera®

Birth Control Methods - Depo-Provera® 

Depo-Provera® is a progesterone-only contraceptive and is one of the most effective methods of birth control. When used correctly, Depo-Provera® can be 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

How does Depo-Provera® work? 

Depo-Provera® prevents pregnancy in three ways:

• Prevents ovulation
• Suppresses the lining of the uterus
• Thickens the cervical mucous to prevent sperm from passing through

How is Depo-Provera® given? 

Depo-Provera® is administered as an injection (shot). It is available in 2 formulations:

1. 150 mg/ml intramuscular injection; and
2. 104 mg/0.65 ml subcutaneous injection

To assure there is no pre-existing pregnancy, it should be given within the first 5 days of the menstrual cycle, within 5 days after delivering a baby for non-breast-feeding mothers, or at 6 weeks after delivery if breast-feeding. Depo-Provera® may also be given immediately after an abortion procedure.

The shot is given in the buttocksor upper arm. Most women experience minimal discomfort. For some, the injection site may be sore for a day or so.

Your next injection will be due 12 weeks later. There is a 10-13 week window for depo administration. If it is greater than 13 weeks since the last injection, use another reliable form of birth control (such as condoms and spermicides), or refrain from intercourse until the next injection is given.

Advantages

• Over 99% effective
• Provides contraceptive privacy
• Appropriate for women who are contemplating contraception for the first time
• Can be used by women over age 35 who may or may not smoke
• Provides alternative contraception for women who cannot tolerate estrogen or find that oral contraceptive pills are inconvenient and have difficulty remembering their daily pill
• There is no disruption or inconvenience during intercourse as with barrier methods, such as condom use
• A reversible alternative to sterilization
• Proven safe and effective for nursing mothers

Potential Benefits

• Light periods or no periods
• Decreased occurrence of anemia (low iron)
• Decreased menstrual cramps and pain
• Suppression of discomfort associated with ovulation
• Decreased risk of developing endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer and pelvic inflammatory disease
• Management of pain associated with endometriosis
• Reduced risk of ectopic pregnancy
• No common drug interactions

Disadvantages

• Return visits to your healthcare provider every 3 months
• Does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases
• Possible side effects, which include
• Menstrual changes which can range from irregular bleeding or spotting to having periods stop completely
• Weight gain
• Breast tenderness
• Depression
• Possible delay in the return of fertility for up to eighteen months after the last injection

The use of hormone-based contraceptives, including Depo-Provera®, may increase the risk of liver tumors and cardiovascular disorders such as phlebitis, strokes, heart attacks, and high blood pressure. For women who smoke, these risks are greater than for nonsmokers, and the risks increase with age.

• Bone loss may occur while using the birth control injection. When the injections are stopped, at least some of the bone that is lost is gained back.
• This method may increase the risk of Osteoporosis which could lead to bone fractures. People with risk factors for Osteoporosis and certain eating disorders need to discuss with provider and weigh the risks versus benefits.
• Continuous Depo-Provera®use is not recommended for greater than 2 years.

Important If Choosing Depo-Provera®

If you are choosing Depo-Provera® as your birth control method, make sure you are getting adequate calcium, either through diet or supplementation. 1000 mg of calcium every day is recommended. Other bone healthy practices include exercising regularly and not smoking. You also need to get adequate vitamin D whether through diet or supplementation in order to ensure calcium absorption.

How do I obtain Depo-Provera®?

To receive a prescription for Depo-Provera® you must be seen by a clinician for a review of your health history. Appointments for contraception are available at University Health Services. Your clinician can help you determine if Depo-Provera® is an option for you, based on your past medical history and your understanding of and comfort with this method.

A second visit to actually receive the Depo-Provera® shot for the first time may be necessary depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle.

Please Read

Call your health care provider right away or seek medical care if you experience any of the following:

• Signs of an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling of face, mouth, tongue or neck)
• ACHES reviewed (severe Abdominal pain; Chest or arm pain and/or shortness of breath; severe and frequent headaches; Eye problems such as blurred vision; and severe pain or swelling of leg, thigh or groin).
• Seizures/convulsions
• Unusually heavy vaginal bleeding
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin
• Persistent pain, pus, or bleeding at injection site

Emergencies

In an emergency go to Mount Nittany Medical Center or call 911 for an ambulance.

This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. This information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

Approved by the UHS Patient Education Committee Revised 06/10/2020