What are Birth Control Shots?
Depo-Provera, is administered one every three months. It provides 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 contraceptive for a week after your first shot. Among typical couples who initiate use of Depo-Provera, about 3 in 100 will experience an accidental pregnancy in the first year.
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What are the advantages of The Shot?
- Nothing must be taken daily or used at the time of sexual intercourse.
- Sex may be enjoyed more because of less fear of pregnancy.
- Depo-Provera is extremely effective. If women receive their injections right on time (every 3 months or 13 weeks), only 3 women in 100 will become pregnant in 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. According to the World Health Organization, it's best to begin use after the baby is 6 weeks old, but most U.S. programs will provide Depo-Provera when a nursing mother leaves the hospital after delivery.
- 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.
- Can prevent ectopic pregnancies
- Unlike combined pills, Depo-Provera is not less effective if you take medicines that affect the liver.
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What are the disadvantages of The Shot?
- Do NOT start this method of birth control unless you will find it acceptable to have your periods change. The WILL change a lot.
- Depo-Provera injections can lead to very irregular periods. If your bleeding pattern is bothersome to you, you can take medications which may give you a more acceptable pattern of bleeding.
- Some women gain weight. To avoid weight gain, watch your calories and get lots of exercise.
- Depo-Provera does not protect you from HIV or other infections. Use condoms if you are at risk.
- You must return to the clinic every three months for your injection.
- Depression and premenstrual symptoms may become worse.
- It may be a number of months before your periods return to normal after your last shot. It takes an average of 10 months for fertility to return after the last shot, making it hard to plan pregnancy exactly.
- Depo-Provera may lower your estrogen level and cause bone loss, although this is not certain. Get regular exercise and take extra calcium to protect your bones from osteoporosis.
- A few women are allergic to Depo-Provera. Fortunately, allergic reactions are very rare, but they occur, and the effects of the shot cannot be stopped once it is given. Such a woman may need anti-allergy medicine for several days to months.
- Depo-Provera is expensive in some healthcare settings.
- Increase in LDL (bad cholesterol) and decrease in HDL (good cholesterol) in some studies
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Where can I go to get started using Depo-Provera Shots?
To your doctor, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, health dept or Planned Parenthood.
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