Depo Provera

 

Depo Provera is a progestin hormone contraceptive that is injected into the muscle of women every 11 weeks and offers birth control for about three months. Depo Provera, also known as medroxyprogesterone acetate, is an extremely akin to progesterone; a hormone naturally generated by the ovaries each month and is an element of a woman’s menstrual cycle. Depo Provera becomes effective within 24 hours of the first Depo shot provided it is administered five days of after the commencement of a regular menstrual period. A woman needs to take her Depo shots promptly after every 11 weeks to facilitate maintenance of the contraceptive protection. It is essential to mention here that a legitimate prescription is needed for Depo Provera injection.

 

 

Depo Provera is as effectual as tubal ligation and compared to many other contraceptive methods, including birth control pills, condoms and diaphragms, Depo is quite useful at averting pregnancy. Anyone taking Depo shots continually faces less than a one per cent chance of experiencing an accidental pregnancy. Depo Provera avoids pregnancy in three ways. First, Depo prevents ovulation. Second, Depo thickens the cervical mucus which acts as a barrier preventing the sperm from reaching the egg. Finally, Depo changes the lining of the uterus preventing any implant Depo is useful for women who find it difficult to remember to take birth control pills daily, are using antibiotics or Accutance or have any valvular heart ailment. In fact, women using Depo also find them comfortable with the stoppage of their menstrual period. Depo Provera, however, does not offer any shield against AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases.

 

 

Depo Provera thwarts pregnancy by preventing ovulation. In other words, administration of a Depo shot stops the release of an egg from the ovary and thus, puts off pregnancy. One Depo shot is given either in the buttock or the upper arm by a trained healthcare professional and the Depo shots need to be repeated every three months if a woman desires to continue with the contraceptive protection. Depo slows down the discharge of hormones that invigorate the ovaries preventing ovulation. In addition, Depo also conceals the cervical mucus to prevent the entrance of sperm into the uterus.

 

 

Depo shots should not be taken by women who are pregnant or may think that they are pregnant. It is also not advisable to use Depo Provera if anyone suffers from unusual vaginal bleeding, has had a stroke, is suffering from acute liver problems, or has a history of breast cancer or blood clots in the eyes, lungs or legs. Women allergic to constituents of Depo Provera are also advised not to take Depo shots. In addition, one must avoid Depo Provera if they have migraine headaches, cardiac problems, hypertension, anorexia nervosa, asthma, liver disease or seizure problems. Women taking Depo shots should never smoke as it is yet to be established if smoking while using Depo Provera is safe. Hence, it is advisable to consult your physician before taking your first Depo shot.

 

 

Although taking Depo shots have been said to be safe, some women have experienced a number of Depo Provera side effects. It is important to note that once a Depo shot has been administered it can neither be reversed nor neutralized. In such a situation, the patient will have to live with the side effects of Depo for three months untill the results of the drug abate. Some common side effects of Depo include menstrual anomalies, pregnancy-like symptoms, weight changes and depression. Some women may also experience other Depo Provera side effects such as nervousness, dizziness, headache, rapid hair loss, diminished urge for sex, bloating and leg cramps. Use of Depo shots has also been associated with an enhanced breast cancer hazard among women below the age of 35 years. Side effects of Depo Provera may also include osteoporosis as taking Depo shots may reduce the calcium content in the bones. Contact your physician or pharmacist if you experience any of the above Depo Provera side effects.