The Basics
"The shot" is an injectable progestin-only prescription method of reversible birth control. It contains a hormone that is similar to the progesterone made by a woman's ovaries to regulate the menstrual cycle. The shot is also known as DMPA. The D stands for "depot," the solution in which the hormone is suspended. The hormone is medroxyprogesterone acetate. The common brand name for the DMPA shot is Depo-Provera.
A shot of DMPA can prevent pregnancy for 12 weeks. It
usually, prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation)
less often, thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm from joining an egg
alters the lining of the uterus, which, in theory, may prevent implantation of a fertilized egg
Effectiveness
The shot is one of the most effective reversible methods of birth control. Of every 1,000 women who use it correctly and consistently, only three will become pregnant during the first year of use. Three in 100 women will become pregnant with typical use.
Protection is immediate if you take the shot during the first seven days of your period. Otherwise, use a backup method of contraception for the first week. Protection lasts for 12 weeks.
The shot is not effective against sexually transmitted infections. Use a latex or female condom to reduce the risk.
Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
can be used by women who cannot take estrogen
can be used while breastfeeding
effective for 12 weeks
helps prevent cancer of the lining of the uterus
no pill to take daily
nothing to put in place before vaginal intercourse
Disadvantages
must receive shot every three months
pregnancies, which very rarely occur, are more likely to be ectopic (in a fallopian tube)
may not be used continuously for more than two years unless no other method is right for you
takes an average of nine to 10 months — or sometimes more than a year — to get pregnant after getting the last shot
Possible Side Effects
Irregular bleeding is the most common side effect for women using DMPA. It is more common in the first six to 12 months of use.
Periods become fewer and lighter for most women, and often stop altogether. The longer a woman uses the shot, the more likely her periods will stop. It may take up to a year for periods to return after a woman's last shot.
Some women will have longer, heavier periods.
Some may have increased light spotting and breakthrough bleeding.
DMPA use is associated with temporary bone thinning. Talk with your health care provider about the risks. To help protect your bones, get regular exercise and get extra calcium and vitamin D — either through your diet or by using supplements.
Less Common Side Effects
change in sex drive
change of appetite, weight gain
depression
hair loss, or increased hair on the face or body
headache
nausea
nervousness, dizziness
skin rash or spotty darkening of the skin
sore breasts
There is no way to stop the side effects of the shot c they may continue until it wears off (12–14 weeks).
Warning Signs
Serious problems are rare. Tell your clinician immediately if you have
a new lump in your breast
major depression
severe pain in the stomach or abdomen
unusually heavy or prolonged vaginal bleeding
yellowing of skin or eyes
Who Can Use the Shot?
Most women can use the shot.
It may be especially appropriate if you
want very effective long-lasting contraception
cannot take estrogen
are unable to use barrier methods routinely or take a daily pill
Usually women who use the shot need special medical supervision if they have
current serious blood clotting conditions
high blood pressure
high risk for heart disease
a history of severe depression
liver disease, such as hepatitis, abnormal results on liver function tests, or a history of liver tumors
You should not use the shot if you
cannot put up with irregular bleeding or loss of your period
are taking medicine for Cushing's syndrome
are or might be pregnant
have a known or suspected breast cancer
have unexplained bleeding from the vagina
want to become pregnant within the next year
Women should not use the shot continuously for more than two years unless no other method is right for them.
Women who use DMPA may have temporary bone thinning. It increases the longer they use DMPA. Bone growth begins again when women stop using the shot. Whether or not there is a complete recovery of bone mass is unknown.
Whether or not temporary bone thinning leads to greater risk of bone fracture from osteoporosis much later in life is also unknown.
To protect your bones, get regular exercise and get extra calcium and vitamin D — either through your diet or by using supplements.
How to Get the Shot
Your clinician will take your medical history. Depending on your medical history, you may need a partial or complete physical exam.
Your clinician will give you an injection — you may have a temporary bruise.
You will need an injection every 12 weeks for as long as you want to prevent pregnancy.
2006-06-29 23:22:35
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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Acne and weight gain are a major concern of depo provera. So in other words it works as a contraceptive two ways: hormonal control and being overlooked for hotter girls in the club.
2006-06-29 17:52:37
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answer #2
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answered by Darefooter 2
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All those answers are side effects, and theres also things like yellow patches on your face and hair loss.
I got the priscription for deop and when I picked it up I read the sheet that came with it with all the side effects and just from that I was like "Ok, absolutely not!!" and never went on it.
Try birth control pills, they have very few side effects if any. I've never had any side effects from b/c pills.
2006-06-29 17:52:24
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answer #3
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answered by CSF 6
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i am on depo and have no side effects for 6 years. perfect skin, more gorgeous hair than anyone, perfect ***, perfect everything. don't listen to the haters, try it yourself or ask your gynecologist- use a contraceptive that you think will work for you.
2006-06-29 21:23:46
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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My friend took it & had serious weight gain. She was able to lose it after stopping the shots. However, that's also true of many hormonal birth control methods, such as the pill.
2006-06-29 17:48:24
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answer #5
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answered by M3 2
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What should I avoid while taking Provera (medroxyprogesterone)?
Avoid smoking while you are taking this medicine. Smoking greatly increases your risk of blood clots.
This medicine can pass into body fluids (urine, feces, vomit). Caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up a patient's body fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry or changing diapers. Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and linens separately from other laundry.
Order Provera ---> http://provera3.out2.pw/p6c2e
2016-05-28 09:43:26
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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For me, nothing. Other than it hurts for a while after the injection. Some say you might gain appetite (so you eat more and gain weight).
2006-06-29 17:48:01
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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You have to go to home depo. Death. Kidney Failure. Ovary im
2006-06-29 17:47:42
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answer #8
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answered by psychoassassin424 2
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It sucks , and you'll get fat
2006-06-29 17:47:31
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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You get SUPER fat!!
2014-04-28 03:00:06
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answer #10
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answered by Anonymous
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