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The 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% will experience an accidental pregnancy in the first year. When used consistently and correctly, less than 1% of women will become pregnant 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.
- Nothing must 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), less than 1% will become pregnant during the course of one year.
- Women lose less menstrual 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 is 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 can reduce symptoms from endometriosis, and lowers your risk of endometrial (uterine) cancer.
- 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 HIV 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 during use. However, this bone loss is reversible after stopping Depo-Provera. Get regular exercise and consider taking extra calcium supplements to protect your bones from osteoporosis.
- A few women are allergic to Depo-Provera. Fortunately, allergic reactions are rare.
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 7 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.
For 72 hours AFTER unprotected sex, you can take emergency
contraceptive pills to avoid becoming pregnant. For up to 7 days AFTER
unprotected sex, you can have an IUD
put in. Not all clinicians know about emergency contraception. If you want
more information or would like the phone numbers of clinicians near you
who prescribe emergency contraception, CALL the toll-free hotline 1-888-NOT-2-LATE
or 1-800-584-9911. Some of these sources of help are free.
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medication methods
foam
the pill
mini pill
the patch
the ring
depo provera shot
spermicides
emergency pills
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