Everything You Need to Know About Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection: Benefits and Risks

Medroxyprogesterone acetate, a contraceptive injectable that contains the hormone progestin, is marketed under the well-known brand name Depo-Provera. It is administered every three months. Usually, Depo-Provera prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg by suppressing ovulation. In order to prevent sperm from getting to the egg, it also thickens cervical mucus. There are other lesser dosages of medroxyprogesterone acetate available. Depo-subq Provera 104 is the name of this variant. Depo-subq prover 104 is injected just under the skin, whereas Depo-Provera is injected deep into the muscles.  

Depo-Provera contraceptive injection

Medroxyprogesterone acetate, also known as Depo-Provera, is a female injectable birth control option. Depo-Provera contraceptive injection is injected into the arm or buttocks and is frequently referred to as the birth control shot or depo injection. It has a form of the hormone progesterone. Although they normally need to have one shot every 12 weeks, Depo-Provera shots can prevent pregnancy for up to 14 weeks. It does not offer protection against sexually transmitted infections despite its effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. Sexually transmitted infections still require the use of barrier protection, such as condoms.  

Only a doctor or someone under their supervision can administer the Depo-Provera contraceptive injection. The dosage and duration of treatment are determined by the physicians. As long as a doctor prescribes it, no one is supposed to take the injection on their own. It causes certain adverse reactions, like headache, light-headedness, nausea, anxiety, weight gain and breast tenderness. Additionally, it may result in spotting, an irregular menstrual cycle or the cessation of menstrual bleeding. This kind of birth control is a prescription drug that needs to be prescribed by doctors, usually an obstetrician or gynecologist. Most of the time, a nurse will provide the Depo-Provera contraceptive injection in the hospital.  

How does Depo-Provera work?

Depo-Provera injection is a female hormone known as progestin. It functions by stopping an egg from reaching its full development and exiting the ovaries throughout the menstrual cycle. Additionally, it changes the lining of the womb and the thickness of the mucus at the womb entrance, which makes it harder for sperm to enter. As a result, pregnancy is avoided. The hormone stops the ovaries from producing eggs by acting on the pituitary gland. As a result, you cannot conceive without eggs. Additionally, it alters the mucus in the cervix and the lining of the uterus. This makes it more difficult for sperm to get to any released eggs. It is injected into the muscle and needs to be provided on a schedule of approximately every twelve weeks or three months.

There are a few ways that this injectable form of birth control differs from others. The birth control shot doesn’t require you to do something every day like an oral contraceptive does. Other than making sure you follow the plan to ensure you receive the injection on time, there is nothing else you need to do to avoid getting pregnant. The doctors administer the shot every three months.  

How is the Depo-Provera injection used?

Typically, the first Depo-Provera injection occurs within the first seven days of the onset of the menstrual cycle. When you are certain that you are not pregnant, it can be administrated at a later date. There is nothing more you need to do to avoid getting pregnant after your doctor has administered the vaccination. To stay completely shielded with Depo-Provera, one needs to get another shot once every three months. It is critical that you adhere to the shot schedule. You should arrive for the Depo-Provera injection no later than two weeks in advance. Missing a shot in between can result in pregnancy.  

The Depo-Provera shot immediately protects after receiving the first shot during the menstrual period. When it is given at another time during the cycle, it does not give any results. Given that Depo-Provera is 96% effective in preventing pregnancy, approximately four unintended pregnancies will occur annually for every hundred women. Younger women, such as adolescents, are most at risk of unintentionally becoming pregnant while receiving the birth control shot. Usually, this has to do with human mistakes, like missing a shot or not getting the shot on time. The most effective methods of contraception are thought to be IUDs and implants that are inserted into the upper arm.  

Depo-Provera benefits

• There are multiple benefits to Depo-Provera injections over other contraceptives. However, the primary Depo-Provera benefits are as follows:
• It is extremely effective.
• Depo-Provera contraception delivers long-term protection as long as you get the injection every three months.
• It does not affect sexual activity.
• It is not required to take it every day or use it before sex.
• It provides long-term protection as long as you get the shot on time.
• Depo-Provera contraception does not interfere with sexual activity.
• Depo-Provera contraception shot is convenient and private.
• It makes you get periods less often while taking the injection.
• As it is temporary, pregnancy can be achieved whenever you wish by stopping it.  

Risks of Depo-Provera injection

Some Depo-Provera side effects are as follows:

• It causes irregular menstrual periods.
• It leads to headaches, nervousness, depression and vertigo.
• It also causes acne.
• Sometimes, it results in changes in appetite and weight gain.
• Excessive growth of facial and body hair and sometimes hair loss is one of the Depo-Provera side effects.
• Osteoporosis is also a side effect of Depo-Provera.  
• It can cause unwanted side effects.
• It doesn’t provide protection against sexually transmitted infections.
• It can cause irregular menstrual periods.
• It leads to bone density loss when used for a long term.
• It causes severe abdominal pain many times.  
• It may take some time to return to fertility after stopping the injection, as ovulation may not resume immediately.
• It causes uneasiness and weakness.
• It causes bloating in the stomach and other regions of the body.  

Though there are multiple adverse events and risks associated with Depo-Provera injections, it has been shown to be beneficial in preventing pregnancy. However, each person is different from another, and the requirement for Depo-Provera injections varies accordingly. You are always advised to consult a gynaecologist before making any such decisions by yourself. Sometimes, the long-term effects of Depo-Provera are hard to combat. These effects are often discomforting, yet Depo-Provera benefits outweigh its long-term effects.  

Conclusion

To conclude, Depo-Provera is one of the injectable birth control options for women, which is chemically referred to as medroxyprogesterone acetate. It is also referred to as a birth control shot and is administered through injection into the arms or buttocks. It contains progesterone in one form or another. It can prevent pregnancy for up to fourteen weeks, although they typically require one shot every twelve weeks. As there are many pros and cons to Depo-Provera, there are also disadvantages and risks involved. Consulting the best gynaecologist will provide you with even more details on Depo-Provera and can offer you additional benefits and risks of administration.