What are birth control shots?
The birth control shot contains a medicine called Depo-Provera, 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 method
of birth control for a week after your first shot. Among typical couples
who initiate use of Depo-Provera, about 3 in 1000 will experience an accidental
pregnancy in the first year.
Complete information about this contraceptive is available from your
clinician or from the package insert that is provided when you are given
Depo-Provera injections.
Advantages:
- Nothing must to be taken daily or used at the time of sexual intercourse.
- Depo-Provera is extremely effective. If women receive their injections
on time (every 3 months or 13 weeks), only 3 women in 1000 will
become pregnant during 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. It's best after
the baby is 6 weeks old.
- 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.
Disadvantages:
- Depo-Provera injections can lead to very irregular periods. If your
bleeding pattern is bothersome to you, you can take medications which
will give you a more acceptable bleeding pattern.
- Some women gain weight. To avoid weight gain, eat a healthy diet and
get lots of exercise.
- Depo-Provera does not protect you from AIDS or other infections. Use
condoms if you are at risk.
- You have to return to the clinic every 3 months for your injection.
- Depression and premenstrual symptoms may become worse.
- It may take a couple of months before your periods return to normal
after your last shot.
- Depo-Provera may lower your estrogen level and cause bone loss, although
this is not certain. Get regular exercise and consider taking extra calcium
to protect your bones from osteoporosis.
- A few women are allergic to Depo-Provera. Fortunately, allergic reactions
are rare.
Where can I go to get started using Depo-Provera?
You can get Depo-Provera injections from your clinician, health department,
or family planning clinic. Most clinics provide the first shot when a
woman has her period or within 5 days of the start of her period. What
if I have sex and I am late for my shot? Be sure to use condoms or
another method.
