Depo Provera as a form of contraception: all you need to know (2)

Sure, you’ve heard of the loop, depo-provera and other forms of contraception, but you might not be aware of how they really work and the pros and cons of each method. In this serialised article, we look at each of the family planning methods available to women in depth.

Side Effects of Depo Provera:

There are several side effects of Depo Provera that make it a less recommended form of contraception. They include:

• Loss of bone density, resulting in an increased risk of osteoporosis, bone loss may not be reversed when you go off Depo Provera.
• Weight gain, typically more than 2.27 kilogrammes after one year of use.
• Irregular, heavy, or no bleeding
• Headaches, nervousness, mood changes, bloating, hot flashes, decreased interest in sex, breast tenderness, acne, hair loss and back ache.

Advantages of Depo Provera:

• It is a very private form of birth control, which requires little maintenance.
• It is reported to be associated with a decreased risk of endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, and pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Many women will stop having periods completely, which, for women with painful or heavy periods, may be a benefit.

Disadvantages of Depo Provera:

• After the last shot, it can take 6-9 months for the drug to leave the body. Side effects may linger until the drug is completely gone, and it may take a while to return to your regular menstrual cycle.
• Depo Provera is not recommended for long term use and especially not for young women who are still growing.
• If a woman becomes pregnant while using Depo Provera and continues her pregnancy, there may be an increased risk of premature birth.

Who shouldn’t use Depo-Provera?

Women who think they could be pregnant should not have the Depo-Provera injection until pregnancy is completely ruled out. If you have had breast cancer you should not use Depo-Provera, as well as women who have had a stroke, blood clots (phlebitis) in the legs, or women who have liver problems or disease. If you are experiencing abnormal bleeding and the cause has not been determined, you should not use Depo-Provera.

You should have a GYN exam before your physician prescribes Depo-Provera. If you have any of the following conditions, it’s important that your physician is aware of these health issues before you receive the Depo-Provera contraceptive injection:-family history of breast cancer, previous abnormal mammogram, fibrocystic breasts, breast nodules or lumps, bleeding from your nipples, kidney disease, irregular or light menstruation, high blood pressure, migraine headaches, asthma, epilepsy, diabetes or a family history of diabetes. Present or past history of depression

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