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Discover the answers you need
Congratulations on choosing Depo-Provera as your method of birth control. It’s contraception you can feel confident about. No matter how long you’ve been using Depo-Provera, you may have questions. Click on any of the links you see here, and Raquel Arias, MD, OB-GYN, will provide a clear, comprehensive answer. What is your advice for women now taking Depo-Provera, given the new warning regarding 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 can I have the best experience on Depo-Provera? What happens to my period over time? Talk to me about weight changes. Can I get pregnant after using Depo-Provera? Can I use Depo-Provera after having a baby? 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? How effective is Depo-Provera? What are the benefits of using Depo-Provera? What kinds of Depo-Provera resources exist? 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 continuing 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're using or 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 can I have the best experience on Depo-Provera? To have the best experience on Depo-Provera, utilize all the resources available to you. If you have concerns at any point, there is a patient hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It's a unique service that's set up just for you. The number is 1-866-554-DEPO (3376). Speak to a registered nurse in English or Spanish. In addition, learn as much as you can from this Web site. And of course, you can always call your healthcare provider with questions. It's a good idea to plan your next dose ahead of time—make an appointment well in advance with your healthcare provider. That way, you don't have to worry about scheduling. If you do wait longer than 13 weeks between shots, your healthcare provider should determine you are not pregnant before giving you your next dose of Depo-Provera. But as soon as you get a dose, you're protected. Depo-Provera is not your everyday birth control.
What happens to my period over time? Depo-Provera changes your period. It's to be expected. If you've been using Depo-Provera you already know that. These effects will lessen. It just takes time. Remember that eventually you may not even get your period at all. Here's proof—after 1 year, more than half of women on Depo-Provera will stop getting their periods altogether. During the first year of use, you might have one or more of the following changes:
Talk to me about weight changes. Weight changes are sometimes associated with hormonal birth control such as the Pill, the patch, and Depo-Provera. About 2 out of 3 of the women in the clinical trials reported a weight gain of about 5 pounds during the first year of use. 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. Think about trying different kinds of exercise. Yoga, jogging, and swimming are some examples. For more ideas on a healthy diet and exercise visit PfizerForWomen.com.
Can I get pregnant after 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 (85% of women who did not use birth control conceived within a year). So, when you stop using Depo-Provera, you can return to fertility. But if your goal is to become pregnant within the next year, Depo-Provera is not recommended. Depo-Provera is long-term birth control, and the effects often last for months beyond your last shot. If you have stopped menstruating, it might take a few months for your period to return after you stop using Depo-Provera. 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 product labeling. Talk to your healthcare provider about what's best for you.
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.
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. And it starts working right away. There's no waiting period, no back-up methods necessary. That's confidence. That's freedom.
What are the benefits of using Depo-Provera? Depo-Provera offers you freedom from the everyday hassle of remembering birth control. As long as you get your shots on time, it's one less thing you have to think about every day. And you've likely got enough on your mind. Depo-Provera is your business. It's not messy. It doesn't show, like a patch. You don't have to hide a pill pack in your purse. It's your birth control, and you know it's working. To read more about benefits, go to The Depo-Provera advantage.
What kinds of Depo-Provera resources exist? As a Depo-Provera user you're lucky—you have access to a number of dynamic resources. You've made it to the Web site, which is great! There's a lot of information here to explore. In addition, there is a Depo-Provera patient support line. The concept is unique to Depo-Provera—and it works. Call 1-866-554-DEPO (3376) to speak to a registered nurse in English or Spanish. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. So if you ever have questions or concerns, you can get answers any time you want.
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