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Discover the answers you need
Raquel Arias, MD, OB-GYN, is here to give you the answers you need. Depo-Provera is birth control that has a lot to offer. Learn more about benefits, efficacy, and how Depo-Provera can fit into your life. The facts are here. Click any question below to get started. What is your advice for women considering taking Depo-Provera, given the new warning regarding the loss of calcium stored in your bones? How long can I use Depo-Provera? Should I use Depo-Provera for a long period of time? How effective is Depo-Provera? How does Depo-Provera provide pregnancy protection? How can Depo-Provera fit into my life? What is the shot like? Will Depo-Provera affect my periods? Are there any side effects? Am I more likely to get an STD if I am on Depo-Provera? What can I do to lessen my chances of getting an STD? What should I do if I think I have an STD? Can I get pregnant after I stop using Depo-Provera? Can I use Depo-Provera after having a baby? How does the cost of Depo-Provera compare with other methods? It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of using this method of contraception for longer than 2 years with your healthcare provider. Risk factors for osteoporosis may include anorexia/bulimia, strong family history of osteoporosis, use of medicines such as steroids, drinking a lot of alcohol or smoking a lot, which can reduce the amount of calcium in your bones. A healthy lifestyle is important for bone health. This includes eating a calcium-rich diet and performing weight-bearing exercise.
How long can I use Depo-Provera? You should discuss the risks and benefits of starting and/or using this method of contraception for longer than 2 years with your healthcare provider. A healthy lifestyle is important for bone health. This includes eating a calcium-rich diet and performing weight-bearing exercise. If you plan to use Depo-Provera, discuss your bone health with your healthcare provider.
Should I use Depo-Provera for a long period of time? You should use Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection long term (for example, more than 2 years) only if other methods of birth control are not right for you.
How effective is Depo-Provera? Depo-Provera is 99.7% effective. That fact definitely stands on its own. Depo-Provera is among the most effective methods on the market—and you can't use it the wrong way. As long as you get a dose every 11 to 13 weeks, you're protected. Feeling confident about your birth control feels good. It's different, for example, with the Pill. You're supposed to take the Pill at the same time every day. But if you don't, then the Pill may not work as well. Depo-Provera just works. And it starts working right away. There's no waiting period, no back-up methods necessary. That's confidence. That's freedom.
How does Depo-Provera provide pregnancy protection? Here's how it works. When you use Depo-Provera, you don't ovulate. Depo-Provera stops the release of eggs from your ovaries. That way, there's no egg present for sperm to fertilize. Your ovaries are essentially in a resting state. Depo-Provera is 99.7% effective. And as long as you get doses every 11 to 13 weeks, you can't use it the wrong way. That's protection you can feel confident about.
How can Depo-Provera fit into my life? No matter what your schedule, it's likely that Depo-Provera can fit easily into your life. That's because Depo-Provera isn't something you have to think about too often. You just have to schedule 4 doses a year. Depo-Provera is a birth control shot that lasts 3 months. So, for the other 361 days of the year, you can concentrate on other things that matter. If you decide to start using Depo-Provera, you should visit your healthcare provider and receive a dose in the first 5 days of your period. As long as you go back for a shot every 11 to 13 weeks, you're protected.
What is the shot like? So you know exactly what to expect, Depo-Provera can be administered in either your buttock or upper arm. You get a shot 4 times a year, and immediately after receiving each dose, you're protected from pregnancy. You don't have to take a pill every day. Or apply a patch every week. You just have to return for follow-up doses every 11 to 13 weeks.
Will Depo-Provera affect my periods? It's a fact that Depo-Provera changes your periods.
The most common side effect Depo-Provera users experience is irregular spotting and bleeding. Other forms of hormonal birth control will cause this too. It's your body's way of adjusting, it is common, and will likely go away. It just takes time. With each dose, less spotting and bleeding can occur. By the third shot, you can expect that the bleeding and spotting will be much less. Women may bleed less than they did during their regular menstrual cycle. But, if you have heavy or unexpected bleeding that doesn't stop, contact your healthcare provider. If you have other questions, feel free to call the Depo-Provera patient support line at 1-866-554-DEPO (3376).
Are there any side effects? The most common side effects are spotting and bleeding. During the first year of use you might have one or more of the following changes:
You should know that weight changes sometimes go hand in hand with hormonal birth control. It's different for everyone, though. And leading a healthy lifestyle can really help. Exercising and eating well are things you should be doing anyway. So, if you're already active and have a healthy diet, then by all means keep it up. If your lifestyle could be healthier, being on Depo-Provera is a great time to change some of your habits. Try different forms of exercise, and see what you like best. Yoga, jogging, and swimming are some examples. Or visit www.PfizerForWomen.com Health Center for articles and suggestions for healthy living.
Am I more likely to get an STD if I am on Depo-Provera? There is no proof from clinical studies that shows Depo-Provera increases your risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted disease, or STD. However, Depo-Provera, like other hormonal birth control methods (such as the Pill or the Patch), does not protect you from HIV/AIDS or other STDs. Women using any hormonal contraception, including Depo-Provera, should receive from their healthcare provider clear information and instruction on how they can protect themselves from STDs, such as using a condom consistently and correctly each time they engage in sexual relations.
What can I do to lessen my chances of getting an STD? As always, you should speak with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your risk of getting an STD. He or she can tell you about the precautions you should take to lessen your risk, such as correctly and consistently using a condom each time you engage in sexual relations. Remember, Depo-Provera is a highly effective method for preventing unintended pregnancy. Depo-Provera, like other hormonal birth control methods (such as the Pill or the Patch), will not protect you from HIV/AIDS or other STDs.
What should I do if I think I have an STD? Call your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you think that you may have an STD or if you've had sexual relations with someone you know or suspect of having an STD. Your healthcare provider will ask you questions about your health in general and about any symptoms or problems you may be having. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any health worries you have. Most likely your healthcare provider will also do a pelvic exam (an examination of your female organs) and do some laboratory tests to find out if you have an STD. If you do have an STD, your healthcare provider will talk with you about what treatment is best suited for you.
Can I get pregnant after I stop using Depo-Provera? Yes, you can. If you decide to become pregnant, the first step is to stop receiving doses. After the effect of the last dose of Depo-Provera had diminished, 83% of women got pregnant at some point within a year. This number is similar for women who did not use any form of birth control. Eighty-five percent of women who did not use birth control conceived within a year. So, when you stop using Depo-Provera, you will return to your underlying level of fertility. But if your goal is to become pregnant within the next year, Depo-Provera is not recommended. Being able to get pregnant after using Depo-Provera has nothing to do with how many shots you've had. Whether you've had 1 dose or 20, it's the same. For some women it takes more time. And for other women, it happens faster.
Can I use Depo-Provera after having a baby? Yes. Depo-Provera is safe for nursing mothers when used as directed in patient labeling. Talk to your healthcare provider about what's best for you.
How does the cost of Depo-Provera compare with other methods? In general, Depo-Provera is less expensive than some other commonly used hormonal birth control methods. The Pill requires you to take it every day at the same time. With Depo-Provera, you're buying yourself 361 days of the year when you don't need to think about your birth control. Depo-Provera is not your everyday birth control.
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