Injectable Contraceptives (most commonly known as Depo-Prevera)
What are
injectable
contraceptives?
The type of shot most used is called
Depo-Provera. It is a shot given every three months. It is a hormone, much like the progesterone a woman produces
during the last two weeks of each monthly cycle.
Injectables stop the woman's ovaries from releasing an egg
and have other contraceptive effects. Among typical couples who initiate use
of injectables, about three percent of women will experience
an accidental pregnancy
in the first year. For the most effective protection against sexually transmitted
infections, use condoms as well. Complete information
about this contraceptive is available through a family planning clinic, local
health department, or clinician.
What are the advantages of injectable
contraceptives?
- Nothing
needs to be taken daily or at the time of sexual intercourse.
- Injectables are extremely effective.
- Women
lose less blood during menstruation when they are using
injectables and have less menstrual cramps.
- Privacy
is a major advantage. No one has to know a woman is
using this method.
- Nursing
mothers can receive injections; it is
best to receive after the baby is six weeks old.
- It
is okay for a woman to start another contraceptive
method if it is less than 13 weeks since the last shot.
- Injectables may lead to improvement in PMS (premenstrual
symptoms), depression or symptoms from endometriosis.
What are the
disadvantages?
- Injectables do not protect you from HIV infection or other STIs. Use condoms to reduce risk.
- Injections can lead to very irregular periods. If a
woman's bleeding pattern is bothersome, there are medications
which can be given to help have a more acceptable pattern
of bleeding.
- Some
women gain weight. To avoid weight gain, women should
watch their calorie intake and get lots of exercise.
- A woman
has to return every three months for her injection.
- Depression
and premenstrual symptoms may become worse.
- It
may be a number of months before a woman's periods
return to normal after her last shot.
- Injectables
may cause bone loss, especially in smokers.
Women should get regular exercise and consider taking
extra calcium to protect their bones from osteoporosis.
- Some
women are allergic to injectables.
Where
can I go to get started using injectable
contraceptives?
You
can get injectable
contraceptives from your clinician, health department, or family planning clinic. Most clinics provide the first shot when a woman
is on her period or within seven days of the start of the period.
What
if I am late for my shot and have sex?
Be sure to use condoms or
another method for added protection. Also, emergency contraception is
an option that can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex—but it does
not prevent against sexually transmitted infections.
Adapted from Hatcher RA et al. Contraceptive Technology. 18th rev. edition. New York, NY: Ardent Media, 2004.
Additional Information >> Contraceptive Choices
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