What is Depo-Provera and how is it used?

Depo-Provera is an injectable progestin (hormone) that acts similarly to other progestin-only contraceptives. Depo-Provera works by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg and by changing the cervical mucus, thus helping to prevent the sperm from reaching the egg. One injection in the arm or buttocks provides 12 weeks of protection so you must return to your health care provider every 12 weeks for another injection. Depo-Provera can be used safely and effectively as a contraceptive by most women. Depo-Provera does not protect against STIs so always use a condom.

How effective is Depo-Provera?

With perfect use, the effectiveness of Depo Provera is 99.7%.  This rate is based on studies that have been done to determine how effective a method itself can be, apart from user behaviors.  With typical use the effectiveness rates of Depo Provera is also 99.7%, reflecting what happens to the pregnancy rate in a group of people who do not use this method correctly some of the time and who do not use this method every time they have intercourse.

What are the benefits?

• causes no serious complications such as those occasionally associated with estrogen-containing pills (contains no estrogen)
• provides highly effective, long acting protection against pregnancy
• convenient, does not interfere with intercourse
• decreases menstrual cramps in some cases
• reduced risk of PID; endometrial, uterine lining and ovarian cancers
• Some women report lighter menses

What are the disadvantages?

• causes menstrual cycle irregularities for most users
• may decrease bone density
• may experience weight gain, water retention, breast tenderness
• long term lipid effects are unknown
• requires an injection
• provides no protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• requires return visits to provider every 12 weeks
• irreversible for 12 weeks

Depo-Provera is not a good choice if you want to be pregnant in the next year or two. Why? Because it may take from nine to twenty-four months after you stop taking Depo-Provera to regain your fertility.

When should you see your health care provider?

• Return to the clinic every 12 weeks for another injection.
• Depo-Provera tends to make a woman's periods less regular, and spotting between periods is fairly common.

Some women stop having periods completely. If your pattern of bleeding concerns you, return to your health care provider to get a blood test for anemia, to rule out the possibility of pregnancy, or to rule out the possibility of infection

Depo-Provera Warning Signs

Contact your health care provider if you develop any of the following:

• Severe lower abdominal pain
• Prolonged pain or bleeding at injection
• major depression
• repeated, very painful headaches
• heavy bleeding

Availability

Depo-Provera is available at the UCSB Student Health Center.

Source: Robert A. Hatcher, et al. Contraceptive Technology, 17th ed. (New York: Irvington Publishers, Inc., 1998)