Depo Provera

What is it?

Depo Provera is an injection form of contraception containing medroxyprogesterone acetate(MPA).

How does it work?

Depo Provera acts by suppressing ovulation i.e. it prevents an egg from being released from the ovary. It also thickens the mucus produced by the cervix, therefore slowing and preventing the passage of sperm upwards.

How effective is it?

Depo Provera is one of the most reliable forms of contraception available. When used properly for one year less than 1 in 1,000 women will get pregnant.

Who is suitable to use it?

Depo Provera is suitable for most women. It is particularly useful for young women who need a very reliable form of contraception but who may struggle to remember to take a daily tablet. It is also useful for women for whom oestrogen-containing contraception is unsafe e.g. those suffering from epilepsy and certain forms of migraine.

What are the side effects?

These include: weight gain, and other side effects such as irregular menstrual bleeding, amenorrhea(absence of periods) which occurs in approximately 50% of women using it, headache, nervousness, abdominal cramps, dizziness, weakness or fatigue, decreased sexual desire, leg cramps, nausea, vaginal discharge or irritation, breast swelling and tenderness.

How do I take it?

The injection is administered by your doctor every 12 weeks into a muscle, usually in the buttock.

How do you get pregnant using it?

Although this is such a reliable form of contraception there is a failure rate of 3 per 1,000 if not used properly. If it is administered in the first 7 days of your cycle your contraceptive cover will start immediately. If it is administered at any other time in the cycle it will not take effect for another 7 days.

How do I start?

If you are not using any form of contraception you should attend your doctor during the first 7 days of your menstrual cycle to check your suitability for the injection and to receive your first dose. If you are using another form of contraception such as the pill you can change over at any time.