Should i take depo provera

Others may get longer, heavier periods. Women who use Depo-Provera may also experience decreased bone density. This happens more the longer you use it and stops when you stop using the shot.

Your doctor may recommend you take calcium supplements and eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D to help protect your bones. Though rare, serious side effects can occur. The primary benefit of the birth control shot is its simplicity. However, there are also some drawbacks to this method. They can help you balance the facts about each option with your health history and lifestyle considerations to help determine which method is best for you.

Learn ways to manage the birth control shot side effect of irregular bleeding and when you should see a doctor. Both the birth control pill and the birth control shot, Depo-Provera, contain hormones. Learn more and decide if one is right for you. A hormonal intrauterine device IUD is the most effective form of birth control. Once inserted, a hormonal IUD is When it comes to emergency contraception, there can be a lot of confusion.

Natural Cycles and other fertility awareness apps can be an effective way to prevent pregnancy. Our review explains what you need to know. There are alternatives. It is similar to progesterone, which is one of the two main hormones made by a woman's ovaries during her normal cycle. Because of this, her ovaries will not release an egg and this is how pregnancy is prevented. This is very similar to how the Pill works. Depo Provera is also sometimes used in the treatment of endometriosis. Depo Provera is a highly effective method of contraception when it is given every three months About one in twenty six per cent of women will still get pregnant when using Depo Provera; this is very low compared with other methods.

During a normal menstrual cycle, your hormones cause the lining of your uterus to thicken in preparation for a pregnancy. When it comes time for your period there is very little lining to shed and so you bleed less than you normally would. After two to three injections, many women will have no periods at all because there is no lining building at all.

Some women will have nuisance bleeding, which is usually light and irregular. Occasionally a woman will have troublesome heavy bleeding, which can usually be controlled by hormone treatment.

Hormone levels are very low while using Depo Provera, so there is some concern that this may lead to thinning of the bones osteoporosis in women who use Depo Provera for a long period of time.

The importance of this is not yet known, but the changes would be expected to happen more slowly than those that occur normally after menopause and reverse after the injections stop. Although it is extremely difficult to prove a complete lack of risk, Depo Provera has not been shown to have any effect on the risk of breast cancer. It should be noted that protective effects against cancer of the ovary and uterine lining are very likely. No ill effects on the developing baby have been shown to occur if Depo Provera is given when a woman is already pregnant or in the very rare case where a woman becomes pregnant despite the injection.

Depo Provera can be used by most women who do not have any serious medical problems and by many women who use other forms of contraception. Emergency Contraception. Path to improved health Depo-Provera works for about 3 months at a time. Most women who use Depo-Provera have changes in their menstrual periods. These may include: Bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods. An increase or decrease in menstrual bleeding. No menstrual bleeding at all. Other possible side effects of Depo-Provera include: weight gain headaches nervousness abdominal pain dizziness weakness or fatigue osteoporosis loss of bone density blood clots chance of an ectopic pregnancy when a pregnancy is located outside of the uterus Things to consider Due to an increased risk of osteoporosis, you should limit the use of Depo-Provera to 2 years.

You should not use it if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or have: Uncontrolled high blood pressure. Heart, kidney, or liver disease. Breast cancer. A history of heart attack or stroke. Unknown vaginal bleeding. An allergy to the drug in Depo-Provera. Questions to ask your doctor How do I know if Depo-Provera is right for me, or if I should use another form of birth control? Does my age play a factor in using Depo-Provera?

How long can I take Depo-Provera? Does my insurance cover Depo-Provera? Last Updated: September 11, This article was contributed by familydoctor. Tags: female , gynecologic.

Related Articles. Visit our interactive symptom checker Visit our interactive symptom checker Get Started.