Health Topics
Depo-Provera (shot/injectible)
Online Birth Control Education
Depo-Provera is an injectable form of hormonal contraception. The active ingredient of Depo-Provera (DMPA) is a synthetic form of progesterone called medroxyprogesterone acetate. Each injection provides contraception for 13 weeks. DMPA primarily works by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation) and by thickening the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. Women who use Depo-Provera may have loss of bone density and the loss is greater the longer the method is used. Women should not use Depo-Provera longer than two years if other methods are adequate. Calcium (1200 mg/day) and vitamin D supplements are recommended while using Depo-Provera.
Advantages
- Highly effective
- Does not interfere with sex
- Helps to prevent cancer of the uterus
- Can be used by women who cannot take estrogen
- Often decreases bleeding and cramping with periods
- Effective for 12-13 weeks
Disadvantages
- Must receive shot every 12-13 weeks
- May cause irregular bleeding, light bleeding, or eventually no bleeding
- After discontinuing Depo-Provera, it may take up to 9-10 months or sometimes a year to get pregnant
- May be associated with bone thinning (osteroporosis) when used long term
- May have weight changes
- May worsen depression
- No protection from STI's
Side Effects
- Irregular bleeding in the first 6-12 month
- Periods become fewer for most women and often stop altogether
- Weight gain in some women
- Headache
- Depression
- Decreased sex drive
Return of Fertility
- Depo-Provera injections may keep women from becoming pregnant for more than 3 months after their last shot. The average delay in return of fertility is about 10 months from the last injection. Depo-Provera does not decrease a women's fertility in the long run.
Availability & Efficacy
- Available at Student Health Services by prescription
- Failure Rate: Typical use: 97%, Perfect use: 0.3%
Recommended Resources
- Choices: Depo-Provera (Managing Contraception)
- Bone Health/Calcium/Osteoporosis Fact Sheet for Women (pdf- UC Davis Student Health Services)
Online Birth Control Education |
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last reviewed: Spring 2005