What is Depo Provera?

Also known as Depo-Ravolera it contains a long-acting hormonal contraception called medroxyprogesterone, which is similar to the female hormone progesterone.

How is it given?

By injection by a doctor or nurse practitioner every 12-14 weeks.
Afetr 14 weeks, the injection is considered overdue.

How Does It Work?

Depo-Provera

• Stops ovulation
• Thickens the mucous at the entrance to the uterus (cervix) so that the sperm cannot get through to fertilise the egg
• Alters the lining of the uterus so any fertilised egg will not implant and grow.

Does It Work?

Depo-Provera is one of the most effective methods of contraception. If 1000 women were using it, only one or two would become pregnant.

It should be started within 3 days of a period starting for immediate protection. If Depo-Provera is started at any other time in your cycle, it is best to use another form of contraception for 7 days.

The injections wear off after 12 weeks and there is a lee-way of one week after that. If you have not had another injection in that time it is advised that you use other forms of contraception.

Advantages:

• Can help to reduce endometriosis Thickening of the lining of the uterus)
• Helps reduce the incidence of uterine cancer
• Reduces the risk of thrush and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (an infection that can lead to infertility)
• Can be used by women who are unable to use contraception that contains oestrogen.

Disadvantages:

There have been concerns raised about the possible long term effects of taking Depo-Provera, however to date there has been no evidence of an increase in cancers of the endometrium, ovary or liver.

In the same way there are concerns that a woman taking Depo-Provera while unknowingly pregnant may harm her baby. To date no serious foetal abnormalities have been reported due to the drug.

Side Effects:

The main problem is that, if a side effect does occur, it may well last for the duration of the injection which is 12 weeks.

In addition there are alterations to a woman’s period and she may lose them entirely, have them irregularly or have frequent bleeding or spotting.

Women using Depo-Provera tend to put on about 2 kgs in the first year of use, however a small percentage of women gain large amounts of weight.

Other Side Effects Include

• Headaches
• Depression
• Loss of libido
• A delay in return to fertility with 60% of women pregnant within 12 months after stopping the drug and 90% become pregnant within two years

However some evidence indicates that Depo-Provera may cause thinning of the bones, which is thought to be reversible once the injections have stopped. This is a bigger concern in young women who have been menstruating for less than 3 years as they are in a critical time for building their bone strength for the future.

Before choosing Depo-Provera Talk to Your Doctor If You

• Are on anti-coagulants or have a blood clotting disorder
• Have a history of severe depression
• Are diabetic
• Have high blood pressure
• Have irregular periods or periods that are spaced at long intervals.

What Will the Doctor Do Before I Get the Injection?

• Take a medical history
• Measure weight and blood pressure
• Perform a breast check, a pelvic exam and a Pap Smear.

Page maintained by:FPV Webmaster
Last updated:26/06/2006
© Family Planning Victoria