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About Deprovera

Depo-Provera is a form of birth control. Every 11 weeks Depo-Provera is given by injection into the muscle. The injections must be given in 11 week intervals in order for this birth control to work effectively. Once Depo-Provera is administered, it will take the full 11 weeks to wear off. This means that there is no way to reduce side effects or become pregnant during that time.

  1. Function

    • Depo-Provera works within 24 hours if the initial injection is given within the first five days of the menstrual cycle. It hinders the secretion of hormones that fuel the ovaries, thus resulting in no ovulation. The mucus in the cervix also thickens and this stops most entries of sperm into the uterus.

    Effectiveness

    • Depo-Provera is 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy when injections are given every 11 weeks. Depo-Provera is not effective in preventing any sexually transmitted diseases. The 99 percent effectiveness of Depo-Provera is equal to that of a woman that has a tubal ligation. According to Planned Parenthood, the cost for Depo-Provera ranges from $35 to $75 plus the cost of the exam.

    Good Candidates

    • Good candidates for Depo-Provera are those that have a tendency to forget taking medication daily, those that have to take Accutane or antibiotics on a long-term basis, which render conventional birth control pills ineffective, those that enjoy the idea of not having a menstrual cycle and those who have valve-related heart disease.

    Warnings

    • According to Planned Parenthood, there are many who should not take Depo-Provera such as any woman who is pregnant or thinks she could be, those with abnormal vaginal bleeding, anyone that had a stroke, liver disease, breast cancer or a history of it, blood clots in the eyes, legs or lungs, anyone concerned with losing bone density and those who might be allergic to Depo-Provera.

    Side Effects

    • The side effects of Depo-Provera injections can include not having a period, bleeding, spotting or other menstrual irregularities. There could be side effects that mock pregnancy such as fatigue, nausea and sore breasts. Weight changes are common with the majority of women gaining on average three pounds by the end of year one. Depression is also a possible side effect.

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