Depo-Provera

(The Shot)

DEPO-PROVERA is an injectable form of birth control that is effective for 12 weeks.  It has a 99.7% effective rate.    DEPO-PROVERA's active ingredient is a chemical similar to the hormone, progesterone.   It is prescribed by physicians but may be administered by a doctor, nurse or other health care provider. 

By preventing egg cells from ripening, they are not released from the ovaries.   Therefore, fertilization by sperm does not occur.    It also causes changes in the uterine lining making pregnancy less likely to occur.  

 When DEPO-PROVERA injections are discontinued, menstrual periods usually return within 3-10 months after the last injection.    After menstruation returns, women may become pregnant with no associated risk to the pregnancy.

Your first injection should be given within the first 5 days after the start of your normal menstrual period, or within 5 days of termination of pregnancy.    However, women breast feeding should wait 6 weeks to begin their injections.

Benefits: 

           * does not contain estrogen.
           * lasts a full 12 weeks.
           * cannot be expelled from the body.
           * more convenient and private than
              barrier (condom, diaphragm) methods.
           * is reversible
           * can be used by nursing women
           * is 99.7% effective. 

During the first year most women will experience changes in menstrual periods, including... 

      *  no menstruation at all (as uterine lining does not build up, so no 'shedding' or
          menstruation)
      *  irregular or unpredictable bleeding or spotting
      *  an increase or decrease in menstrual bleeding

A complete medical history/evaluation is important in determining if DEPO-PROVERA is appropriate for your use.   You should only use DEPO-PROVERA if you are sure you are not pregnant.   Like most other contraceptives, DEPO-PROVERA does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases.

COSTS: 

     *  First injection (requires an examination and Pap smear)             $ 130.00
     *  Subsequent injections (every 12 weeks)                                          $   65.00

A Pap smear is necessary once a year, blood pressure is monitored and urine pregnancy tests are performed prior to each injection.

To learn more about the Depo-Provera Injection:

Call Us: The Center for Choice      (251) 476-2404