The following information is compiled from a variety of sources, including the CDC, information from drug manufacturers, Planned Parenthood, and Family Health International.
We strive to keep this information up to date, but new studies and information about side effects and effectiveness may not be reflected immediately in this information. This should be used as a guide only, and a health care professional should be consulted when considering a new or changed contraceptive method.
Description of Depo Provera: Depo Provera is a hormonal birth control method that contains a progestin and no estrogen. It is given by a needle once every 3 months. There are several serious health side effects associated with Depo-Provera (see below) and for this reason it is usually only recommended for women who cannot use other methods of contraception. Depo-Provera does not protect against any STDs, including HIV, and should be used with condoms for STD prevention.
How to Use Depo Provera: The first injection should be given within the first few days of your menstrual cycle. It becomes effective after 24 hours, and you require an injection every 13 weeks. To avoid the possibility of missing the time window for your next shot you can plan to have shots every three months. If you do not get a shot in time you need to use a different form of birth control until you have had the shot and it becomes effective again.
Failure Rates for Depo Provera: With typical use, approximately 3 out of 100 women will become pregnant, but that number drops to 1 out of 100 women becoming pregnant with perfect use.
Cost of Depo Provera: After the costs associated with an initial consultation with a physician, the cost of the monthly shot is anywhere from $35-$70.
Where to Get Depo Provera: Depo Provera requires a visit to your health care practitioner or public health clinic. A medical history may be taken, and the shot requires a prescription. You can get more information on Depo Provera from either your family physician or from a public health clinic.
Side Effects of Depo Provera: There are several side effects of Depo Provera that make it a less recommended form of contraception. They include:
- Loss of bone density, resulting in an increased risk of osteoporosis, bone loss may not be reversed when you go off Depo Provera
- Weight gain, typically more than 5 pounds after one year of use.
- Irregular, heavy, or no bleeding
- Headaches, nervousness, mood changes, bloating, hot flashes, decreased interest in sex, breast tenderness, acne, hair loss, and back ache.
Advantages of Depo Provera:
- It is a very private form of birth control, which requires little maintenance.
- It is reported to be associated with a decreased risk of endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, and pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Many women will stop having periods completely, which, for women with painful or heavy periods, may be a benefit.
Disadvantages of Depo Provera:
- After the last shot, it can take 6-9 months for the drug to leave the body. Side effects may linger until the drug is completely gone, and it may take a while to return to your regular menstrual cycle.
- Depo Provera is not recommended for long term use and especially not for young women who are still growing.
- If a woman becomes pregnant while using Depo Provera, and continues her pregnancy, there may be an increased risk of premature birth.
