what is Depo???

Answer 1

http://www.indiana.edu/~health/hw/depoprovera.shtml
Depo Provera
What is it?

Depo-Provera is an injection (a shot) that protects against pregnancy for three months.

How does it work?

The injection contains a synthetic hormone called progestin. This chemical is similar to the natural hormone progesterone that is produced by the ovaries during the second half of the menstrual cycle. Progestin prevents pregnancy by:
Changing the lining of the uterus making it less likely for implantation (or less likely for pregnancy to occur).
Thickening cervical mucus making it harder for sperm to enter the uterus. Stopping the eggs from being released from the ovaries.
How is it given?

Depo-Provera is injected into the muscle of your buttock. The injection will prevent pregnancy for three months and the birth control effects begin as soon as you have your first shot. The injection should be repeated every three months (12 weeks) as long as birth control protection is wanted. If an injection is late or missed, pregnancy can occur.

How effective is Depo-Provera ?

Depo-Provera is highly effective. It works as well as sterilization or Norplant (with less than one pregnancy per 100 users, 99.7% effective). It is more effective than the birth control pill because it is not dependent upon correct daily usage. (Some women get pregnant taking birth control pills if they take pills incorrectly or miss pills.)

"What are the side effects?"

The most common side effect is a change in the menstrual cycle especially during the first 6 months of using Depo-Provera. Bleeding may be heavier than usual, spotting between periods may occur or women may have no periods.

After about one year most women will stop having periods. The lack of periods does not mean that you are pregnant if you have received injections regularly every three months (12 weeks).

Depo-Provera is not a good choice if you want to be pregnant in the next year or two. Why? Because it typically takes 9 to 10 months to become pregnant after you stop taking Depo-Provera as a contraceptive. It could even take up to 24 months after discontinuing use of Depo-Provera for you to become pregnant. The length of time you use Depo-Provera has no effect on how long it takes you to become pregnant. If you do not wish to become pregnant after stopping Depo-Provera, then you should start another form of birth control immediately.

Other side effects reported less often than changes in menstrual cycle include:
weight gain
headache
nervousness
stomach pain or cramps
dizziness
weakness or fatigue
decreased sex drive
Most of the side effects listed decrease over time when using Depo-Provera . But because Depo-Provera is long lasting, any side effects are likely to continue over a period of time, until the progestin hormone has worn off. It is important to discuss any side effects experienced with this method or any other method with a health care provider.

Depo-Provera does not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Use latex condoms for increased protection against the transmission of STDs including HIV. Depo-Provera may reduce the risk of PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) if chlamydia or gonorrhea is contracted.

Who can use Depo-Provera ?

Depo-Provera may be used by most women who want a method that is highly effective and long lasting. Depo-Provera is also a good choice for a woman who does not want to take a pill every day or use a method right before sex. Depo-Provera has been succesful for women who can't use or don't want to use other birth control methods.

Depo-Provera should not be used if:
You think you might be pregnant.
You have any vaginal bleeding without a known reason.
You have had cancer of the breast or reproductive organs.
You have had a stroke.
You have or had blood clots (phlebitis) in your legs.
You have problems with your liver or liver disease.
You are allergic to Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate or any of its other ingredients).
What is the Health Center procedure for Depo injections?

First Injection: an appointment is made with one of the practitioners to review your history, discuss the Depo-Provera method and do an annual exam including a Pap smear, pelvic and breast exam, (unless youve had one within the past 9 months). You will then receive your first injection.

Follow up Injections: make an appointment with your practitioner 10-12 weeks after your first injection. Your weight and blood pressure will be taken and response to the contraceptive will be reviewed. You will then be given your injection.

Answer 2

If you are planning to get pregnant within the next couple of years do not take it. I have just started a course of clomid to ttc my third child as i have not ovulated. Since i had no issues with fertility prior to having depo my specialist has said that depo is able to stop you from ovulating. So if possible go for another form of contraception- perhaps Implanon where once you take it out your hormones fall close to their normal range within a few days and able to conceive immediately. Research it really well before using it.

Answer 3

Depo Provera is the birth control shot that you get every 3 months, the cost varies widely depending on where you go to get the injection, but my cost was $60 every three months. It is fantastic in the fact that you don't get your monthly period, and I never had any bad side effects from it. I took it for 3 years after my daughter was born, then it took 18 months to conceive after the last shot. I took it for 4 years after my son was born and it took 19 months to conceive after the last shot. If you don't plan on having children any time soon, I would highly recommend it.

Answer 4

Depo-provera (not sure about spelling) It's birth control in the form of a needle that you only have to get injected every three months, so you don't have to remember to take the pill everyday.

Answer 5

depo is birth control a shot once every 3 months and it can deley or take away a period..it cause lil or not weight gain and is effective if u get the shot on time hope this helped

Answer 6

I took the shot and my period started right away. After that, I literally had a period ranging from heavy to light for 8 months. It would stop for a day at the most and then start right back up again. My doctor fed me a lot of crap reasons why (ex. You're body is just ridding itself of toxins...). I never did figure out why it happened considering that you aren't even really supposed to have your period on the shot. I agree that more women should be informed about these kind of stories before making a decision.

Answer 7

It is a birth control shot that you get every 3 months. I had it after my 1st son. But I bleed 3weeks out of 4 for 6 months. I got the shot 2x. But I also didnot get prenant for 1year after getting off the shot and not using anything.

Answer 8

birth control shot given once every three months. I would not recommend it. I gained weight. I have been off of it for a little over a year, and been trying to get pregnant, still nothing.

Answer 9

its a birth control shot that you go to your doctors every three months to get. go to google.com and type in
the depo shot and you should get a lot of info on it.

Answer 10

birth control