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The Shot AdviceThe only injectable contraceptive currently available in the United States is Depo-Provera. This injection contains synthetic progesterone (no estrogen) in high doses in order to prevent pregnancy for up to three months. It prevents fertilization and pregnancy by preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs while also thickening the cervical mucus and changing the uterine lining so it is very difficult for sperm to enter or survive in the uterus. Contrary to other hormonal birth control, Depo-Provera is still highly effective at preventing pregnancy even if a woman is a few days late in receiving her scheduled injection. It is an ideal option for women who have difficulty remembering to take a pill every day or who do not want to take a pill every day. While convenient, it is also very effective with a typical effectiveness rate of 97 percent among users. If you decide that Depo-Provera is right for you, then you will have to receive an injection in your buttocks or upper arm every three months from your doctor or from a clinic. The first injection should occur within the first five days of your menstrual period for the injection to begin working immediately. If you are not able to get the injection within this timeframe, you should use a backup form of birth control, such as a condom, for two weeks. There are some health risks and side effects of Depo-Provera that you should know about before you decide this is the best form of birth control for you. If you want to use Depo-Provera as your long term contraceptive (2 years or longer), it is important to note that this may result in bone loss and put you at an increased risk of osteoporosis. Your personal risk depends on other factors tied to bone density such as age, ethnic background or your level of activity. In addition, your menstrual periods can become irregular, unpredictable or you may not even bleed at all. This is not harmful and usually your periods will return to normal after you stop receiving Depo-Provera injections. While there are other side effects such as weight gain, depression and breast tenderness, women do not experience the side effects related to estrogen exposure such as cardiovascular disease and blood clots. It is important to note that Depo-Provera is a birth control method and it does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. If you are unsure about the sexual history of your partner, you should use another birth control method (such as a condom) that protects you from reproductive tract infections such as HIV/AIDS. |
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