Choosing one contraceptive method can be challenging. Especially with all the birth control options out there. One of the most trending methods is Depo Provera, which is also known as a birth control shot. If you still don’t know what that is, how it is used, and how effective it is. Keep on reading to learn all about this contraceptive injection.
What is Depo Provera?
Depo Provera is a brand name for contraceptive injections. This injection contains a form of progesterone hormone which prevents ovulation. Thus preventing pregnancy. In other words, this hormone will keep your ovaries from releasing an egg. As well as thickening the cervical mucus in order to prevent fertilization.
How to use it?
First of all, if you choose this contraceptive method, you will be getting a shot every three months. Also, keep in mind that this is an intramuscular injection. Meaning that a doctor or nurse will inject it in the muscle.
Is Depo Provera an effective contraceptive?
Many initial studies and research show that it is very effective in preventing pregnancy. According to Planned Parenthood, this birth control shot is 99% effective. They also add that some of their research shows that sometimes it can be 94% effective. The only reason behind that is missing a dose. In other words, the only reason the shot’s effectiveness can be compromised is by missing a dose. Other than that, it will be highly effective.
Things to take into consideration before taking birth control shots
Of course, before using this contraceptive injection, there are certain things to keep in mind. For instance, you absolutely cannot take it if you are pregnant. Also, Depo Provera can decrease the calcium stored in your bones. Thus putting you at risk of getting osteoporosis. Therefore, most doctors recommend not using these injections for more than 2 years.
In addition to that, doctors will advise against using contraceptive injections in some cases. Such as:
- 1. Experiencing vaginal bleeding.
- 2. Liver diseases – whether you have one or it’s in your family’s medical history.
- 3. Family history of breast cancer.
- 4. If you ever had a stroke or blood clotting.
- 5. Allergies to Depo Provera components.
Also, if the patient has a history of depression or other diagnosed mental illnesses. Doctors might discourage using those injections
Does it have any side effects?
Any medication that goes inside our bodies can have side effects. So, naturally, those birth control injections do have some side effects, including:
- – Tiredness, weakness, or nervousness,
- – Abnormal menstrual periods.
- – Severe abdomen or back pains.
- – Body swelling – especially face, hand, or ankles.
- – Headaches or dizziness.
These are some of the side effects that you might experience after taking Depo Provera.
So, why choose Depo Provera?
There are many reasons that make mums prefer this contraceptive method. For starters, they only need one shot every three months. Which throws worrying about getting pregnant out of the window. Second, some mums cannot use other contraceptive methods for many reasons. Therefore, this works greatly for them. And of course, this is a very effective contraceptive method.
But in addition to that, research proves that taking Depo Provera can actually protect against other diseases. It lowers the risk of getting endometriosis or uterine cancer. And it reduces period pains and cramps.
