Depo Provera is a brand name for a type of birth control medication that contains medroxyprogesterone acetate. It is given as an injection, usually in the arm or buttock, once every three months to prevent pregnancy. The progestin in Depo Provera thickens cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg. It also prevents ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovaries.
Depo Provera is a highly effective form of birth control and is often used by people who cannot or do not want to use other forms of contraceptive methods, such as condoms or birth control pills.
Depo-Provera generally inhibits ovulation and prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg. Depo-Provera also thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm from entering the egg. It’s also called Depo-Shot.
It’s an injection that a doctor makes in your arm or buttocks. Each injection will work for 12 to 14 weeks, but you should receive the injection every 12 weeks.
Depo Provera is a safe, convenient, and private contraception method that works very well if you always get it on time.
Mechanism of Depo Provera
A progestin prevents you from becoming pregnant by preventing ovulation. If there is no egg in the tube, pregnancy is not possible. It also works by making the cervical mucus thicker. If cervical mucus is thicker, sperm can no longer occur. And if the sperm and the egg can not meet, the pregnancy can not take place.
Contraindications
Depo Provera is contraindicated for those who have:
- Liver disease
- Blood clots
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Breast cancer
- osteoporosis
- Pregnancy
Pros And Cons Of Depo Provera
Pros
- It’s very Convenient
- The depo shot is 97-98% Effective
- it doesn’t interrupt sex
- No daily contraceptives pill-taking like I Pill and unwanted 72.
- it’s not affected by other medicines
- Each shot lasts for either 8 or 13 weeks
- it’s safe to use while you’re breastfeeding
- it’s an option if you can’t use estrogen-based contraception.
- it may reduce heavy, painful periods and help with premenstrual symptoms for some women
- you don’t have to remember to take a pill every day.
Cons
- It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
- You may have spots between periods.
- Periods can become irregular.
- Remember to schedule an injection every three months.
- It is not generally recommended for long-term use.
Depo Provera Side Effects
Common Side effects of depo provera can include
- Nausea,
- Weight gain,
- Headaches
- Stomach cramping or pain,
- Dizziness,
- Bloating,
- Mood swings,
- Irritability,
- Drowsiness,
- Breast tenderness and
- Hair loss
- Acne
- Your periods may become more irregular, heavier, shorter, lighter, or stop altogether.
Serious Side effects of Depo Provera include;
- Worsening depression,
- Bone pain,
- Changes in sexual interest or ability,
- Swelling of the ankles or feet,
- Persistent nausea or vomiting,
- dark urine,
- unusual changes in vaginal bleeding
- severe abdominal pain,
- Seizures
- Unusual weakness or tiredness,
- Yellowing eyes or skin.
Dosage
Depo Provera is administered by injection and injected into the muscle every 3 months. One injection of 150 mg intramuscularly. It must be administered within the first five days of a normal menstrual cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Depo Provera?
Depo Provera is a contraceptive injection for women containing the progestin hormone. This is the brand name for medroxyprogesterone acetate. Depo-Provera is given by injection every three months.
2. How fast does it work?
Depo-Provera starts acting as a contraceptive method immediately after the first injection if you receive it within your period’s first 5 days.
3. How should I take Depo-Provera?
Your doctor will give you Depo-Provera as an injection into your muscle (intramuscular injection). The injection takes place every 3 months in the buttocks or the arm. After 3 months, you should consult your doctor for the next injection to continue to protect you from pregnancy.
4. How well does it work?
Depo Provera is an extremely effective contraceptive method when administered every three months (99.8% effectiveness). Approximately one in twenty (six percent) women become pregnant with Depo Provera.
5. What did I notice after taking Depo Provera?
Some women have irregular or persistent bleeding, especially in the first three to six months. This is safe for your body, and there are pills to stop this when it happens.
6. Can I get pregnant after dropping the Depo provera injection?
You can get pregnant 3 to 4 months after your last injection. However, some women need at least one or two years to get pregnant after having stopped this contraception type. This delay does not seem to be related to the useful life of the plan.
7. How does Depo Provera work?
It prevents pregnancy by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg every month. There are also changes in the lining of the uterus.
8. What is the level of security when shooting with Depo Provera?
It is safe for most people, but all medications have risks and side effects. Your doctor or nurse will help you determine if the vaccine is right for you.
9. Is it safe to use Depo Provera during breastfeeding?
Yes, it is safe to use contraceptives during breastfeeding. This should not affect the amount of milk it produces and will not harm your baby. In fact, the vaccine is an excellent method if you are breastfeeding and do not want to get pregnant.
10. What if I forget to have my depo shot on time?
It depends on your delay. You can receive your follow-up vaccinations as soon as 10 weeks after your last injection or up to 15 weeks after your last injection. However, if you have been vaccinated for more than 15 weeks after the last injection, you must use a contraceptive backup method, such as a condom, during the first week of filming.
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