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16-09-2024 Team Medicover general-medicine

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Aravind Varma Datla

Depo Provera: Contraceptive Injection

Q: How long after Depo can you get pregnant?

Fertility does not return immediately. It can take 6 to 12 months and sometimes up to 18 months for ovulation to restart after the last injection.

Q: Does the Depo shot stop your period?

Yes, many women experience lighter periods or no period at all after a few injections. This is a common and usually harmless side effect.

Q: Is fertility affected long-term?

No. Depo Provera does not cause permanent infertility, but the delay in return to fertility is longer compared to other contraceptives.

The Depo Provera injection is a popular long-acting birth control method used by women who prefer not to take daily pills. It provides convenient, reliable contraception by releasing hormones that prevent ovulation. In this guide, youâ€™ll learn how it works, its effectiveness, potential side effects, and how it compares to other options.

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What is the Depo Provera Injection?

Depo Provera is a brand name for medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone. It is given as an injection, usually in the upper arm or buttock, once every 3 months (12-13 weeks) to prevent pregnancy.

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How does Depo Provera Injection Prevent Pregnancy?

Depo Provera is a type of birth control that helps stop pregnancy in the following ways:

Stopping ovulation: It works by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg each month.
Thickening cervical mucus: This makes the mucus in the cervix thicker, which makes it harder for sperm to swim through and reach an egg.
Thinning the uterine lining: It also makes the lining of the uterus thinner, which lowers the chances that a fertilised egg can attach and grow there.

These three actions make it highly effective at preventing pregnancy.

How Effective is Depo Provera?

When used correctly, Depo Provera is very effective over 99% . That means less than 1 in 100 women will get pregnant each year if they get their injections on time.

However, if injections are delayed beyond the recommended interval, the effectiveness drops.

How to Use Depo Provera?

Using Depo-Provera involves getting a shot from a specialist every 12 weeks. Here's how to get started:

First Dose: You can get your first shot within the first 5 days of your menstrual cycle.
Follow-up shots: You'll need to have a shot every 12 weeks and itâ€™s important to get it no later than 13 weeks to stay protected.
Administration: A healthcare provider will give you the injection directly into your muscle.

What Happens if You Miss a Depo Shot?

If your shot is more than 15 weeks late, you may lose protection and will need to:

Use backup contraception like condoms
Take a pregnancy test before receiving another shot
Talk to your doctor about next steps

Missing shots regularly increases the risk of unintended pregnancy.

Benefits of Depo Provera

Depo-Provera offers several advantages, especially for those looking for a low-maintenance contraceptive option:

Long-lasting protection up to 3 months
No daily pills or weekly patches
May reduce menstrual cramps
Often causes lighter or no periods
Can be used by women who can't take estrogen-based birth control

Depo Provera Side Effects

Depo-Provera may cause side effect like:

Common side effects Depo Provera injection

Irregular periods or spotting
Headaches
Weight gain
Mood changes
Breast tenderness

serious side effects Depo Provera injection

Bone density loss with long-term use.
Delayed return of fertility
Acne or skin changes

Side effects usually improve after a few months, but some women choose to discontinue due to persistent symptoms.

Who Should Not Take Depo Provera?

Depo Provera may not be suitable if you have:

Severe vaginal bleeding
Liver disease
History of breast cancer
Osteoporosis or risk for bone loss

Always consult your doctor to determine if this method is safe for you.

Effect of Depo Provera on Fertility

One of the key considerations when choosing Depo-Provera is its effect on fertility:

Fertility may take time to return after stopping the injections, for some women it can take up to 9â€“12 months.
This delay doesn't mean permanent infertility but may affect timing for those planning pregnancy after stopping the injections.
It's also a good idea to keep an eye on your bone health if you're using Depo-Provera for a long time, as it can impact bone strength over time.

If you are thinking about having a baby in the near future, it would be wise to talk to your doctor about other birth control options that might be better for you.

Depo Provera vs Other Contraceptives

Method	How Long Does It Last	Estrogen-Free	Requires Daily Use	Return to Fertility
Depo Provera	3 months	Yes	No	Slow (up to 18 months)
Birth Control Pills	1 day (daily pill)	No	Yes	Quick (1â€“2 months)
IUD (Hormonal)	3â€“7 years	Yes	No	Quick to moderate
Implants	3 years	Yes	No	Quick
Patch or Ring	1 week/month	No	Yes (regular cycle)	Quick

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Conclusion

The Depo Provera injection is a reliable and low-maintenance birth control option, especially for women who want to avoid frequent interruptions in their daily lives. It is very effective at preventing pregnancy and is easy to use. But it is important to keep in mind that it may take some time for fertility to return after stopping the injections and there could be some side effects.

If you're considering Depo Provera, talk to your doctor to see if Depo Provera is right for your body and lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Depo Provera is over 99% effective when administered correctly every 12 weeks. It is one of the most reliable long-term contraceptive options available.

Fertility doesnot return immediately. It can take6 to 12 monthsand sometimes up to18 monthsfor ovulation to restart after the last injection.

Yes, many women experiencelighter periods or no period at allafter a few injections. This is a common and usually harmless side effect.

No. Depo Proveradoes not cause permanent infertility, but the delay in return to fertility is longer compared to other contraceptives.

No, Depo Provera does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Use additional protection, like condoms, to prevent STIs.

Alternatives include oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and implants. Consult your healthcare provider for the best option based on your needs.

Depo Provera begins working within 24 hours if taken during the first five days of your menstrual cycle. If taken later, use backup contraception for 7 days.

Yes, Depo Provera is generally considered safe for use while breastfeeding. However, consult your doctor for personalised advice based on your health status.