Birth Control Shots and Fibroid Tumors

Uterine fibroid tumors are nonmalignant growths in the uterus, which are not associated with any increased risks of cancer. As many as three out of four women of childbearing age have fibroids. Women may not even be aware of having them, because in many cases they cause no symptoms. However, for some women, fibroids cause bleeding and pain.

Injectable Contraceptives

• Injectable birth control, such as Depo-Provera or Lunelle, can prevent uterine fibroids, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Depo-Provera contains progestin, and Lunelle contains both progestin and estrogen.

Duration of Protection

• Birth control shots appear to protect a woman from developing uterine fibroid tumors for up to 10 years after the last injection, according to a study published in 1996 by the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Time Frame

• The first injection is given within five days of the menstrual period, and women are injected about every 11 to 13 weeks thereafter.

Additional Benefits

• Aside from preventing pregnancy and fibroids, Depo-Provera also prevents uterine cancer and pelvic inflammatory disease. Depo-Provera can also be used by women taking seizure medicine.

Warning

• Side effects of Depo-Provera include irregular periods (women may stop having periods) or light or break-through bleeding; others may have heavier bleeding. Additional side effects include headaches, dizziness, nausea, breast tenderness, weight gain and fatigue.