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There are several contraceptive methods out there that you many take benefit of. A contraceptive injection is however known to be a long-acting method of contraception. The contraceptive injection, popularly known as Depo or Depo ProveraTM or Depo-RaloveraTM, is a hormonal injection that helps prevent pregnancy for three months in a single go. The hormone that Depo is based on is depot medroxyprogesterone acetate or DMPA or progestin, which is a synthetic form of progesterone.
The contraceptive injection can prevent pregnancy in two days, and each DMPA injection can last for 12 to 14 weeks’ time. While this contraceptive shot sounds like a viable option not only as a contraceptive but also as a hormone that can treat women’s menstrual problems, you might want to know how it works and how good it might be for you, since a few side effects are likely. Here’s more on it:
How Depo works
- Depo first works by stopping the ovulation. When there is no ovulation, an egg won’t leave the ovaries wherein it will not be available for the sperm to fertilize it.
- The hormone makes the mucus lining of the cervix thicker, hence making a barrier for the sperm to get through. So even if the egg is released during ovulation, the thickening of the mucus prevents the sperm from fertilizing the egg.
How effective is Depo?
If Depo is administered as per protocol, it is 99% effective. Women should also remember to get their injection once every three months as directed. There is a one in 100 chance that you will be pregnant if you take timely shots. The efficiency rate may be around 99%, if women don’t take the shot as prescribed. If you want to maintain your protection against pregnancy, then it might be advisable to get the injection once every 12 weeks.
The advantages of Depo are
- It gives you the privacy that other contraceptives might not give as no one would know you are using the shot unless you tell someone.
- It is convenient to take.
- It is effective.
- If you are a breastfeeding mom, it is safe to use if the baby is over six weeks old.
- There is no medication that can interfere with the shot.
However, the contraceptive injection does not suit all the women. So you might have to talk to your doctor first.
The disadvantages of Depo are
- Depo does not protect you against STIs like birth control pills do.
- You may not be able to return to your normal fertility or get pregnant up to ten months.
- Depo is not suitable if you are looking for a temporary birth control measure and wish to get pregnant sometime soon.
- A contraceptive shot cannot be withdrawn or reversed. You can expect the side effects to last for about two weeks.
Side effects include
- It can lead to irregular periods.
- One might experience loss of bone density (which can come back to normalcy on stopping the contraception).
- Breakthrough bleeding or bleeding during active pill days is likely.
- You can expect mood swings.
- Headaches can be common.
- You might put on weight.
- Breast tenderness, swelling and sensitivity are common.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Lack of appetite
The side effects may last anywhere from the first to three months after you take the shot.
What causes the side effects
While both a contraceptive pill and contraceptive shot cause side effects, the reason to the side effects is the increase in the doses of hormones in your body. While a contraceptive pill delivers the dose to your body in low amounts on a daily basis, through a contraceptive shot, the hormones are delivered all at once in high doses. This is why you might experience heightened side effects.
Who should not take Depo?
- Those who have inherited or a history of blood clots
- Those with a history of heart problems
- Those with a migraine
- Those who smoke
- Those diagnosed with lupus
- Those who have had a history of breast cancer
- Those who are on aminoglutethimide for Cushing’s disease
- Those who have bone fragility
So, there you have it all! Plan your contraception method and do look out for the effects of it as well.
