Depo-Provera

What is Depo-Provera?

Depo-Provera is a long acting form of birth control. It is given as a relatively painless injection (shot) every 12 weeks under a healthcare provider's supervision. The active ingredient in Depo-Provera is a chemical similar to the natural hormone progesterone, that is produced by your ovaries during the second half of your menstrual cycle. Depo-Provera has been used for contraception for almost 30 years and by more than 3.5 million women.

How does Depo-Provera work?

Depo-Provera acts by preventing the release of an egg from the ovary. If an egg is not released during the menstrual cycle, it cannot become fertilized by sperm and result in pregnancy. Depo-Provera also causes changes in your cervical mucus and in the lining of your uterus to make it less likely for pregnancy to occur.

How effective is Depo-Provera?

Depo-Provera is over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy, making it one of the most effective methods of contraception.

What are the most common side effects of Depo-Provera?

All women who use Depo-Provera notice changes in their menstrual periods. During the first year, menstrual periods are usually irregular and spotting or bleeding may occur between periods. After six to 12 months of Depo-Provera use, most women have few periods, and many stop having periods altogether. The absence of periods while using Depo-Provera is not harmful. These changes are not permanent, and periods will return after the Depo-Provera is stopped.

Other reported risks and/or side effects include weight gain (3-5 lbs. in the first year), a decrease in the amount of calcium stored in your bones, headache or mood changes.

Is Depo-Provera reversible?

If you no longer need Depo-Provera as a method of contraception, simply do not get your next shot. When Depo-Provera is stopped, most women who do become pregnant will do so within 12 to 18 months following the last injection.

For more information, contact the Student Health Center at 346-4441 or the Student Health Center Woman's Clinic at 346-4441.