Depo Provera is an injectable form of birth control that lasts 3 months! This is another form of long acting, reversible birth control. Once every 3 months, you get an injection of medication that lasts until the next dose is due. You can even do these injections at home! Depo Provera is another form of birth control that has been used since the 1950s!
Depo Provera is 99% effective to prevent pregnancy. You don't have to think about your pregnancy protection as long as you keep getting your injections. It is still important to use a barrier method to prevent sexually transmitted infections.
Depo Provera can also be used to help with irregular bleeding, heavy painful periods and sometimes stopping your period.
Side Effects and What to Expect
People who use Depo Provera can have a wide range of side effects. Sometimes that's none! People who love Depo Provera, really love it because they have no side effects, although this is not super common.
Most notably, Depo Provera can cause irregular periods. That can range from no period, longer periods, shorter periods, heavier periods or irregular bleeding outside of your period. There is no way to know which one you will have until you try the injection. Typically, irregular bleeding gets better after your second shot.
Depo Provera is also scientifically proven to cause weight gain, about one point increase in your BMI. Not every patient experiences this, but it is very common and important to decide if that's a side effect you would be ok with.
Depo Provera also delays the return of normal fertility after stopping the injection. This means that you may stop your Depo Provera, but it can take 6 months to a year before you are able to get pregnant. Now some patients are able to get pregnant right away, but it is common to have a delay in the return of normal ovulation. It does not make you infertile. It is important to be sure you are not planning pregnancy soon before starting Depo Provera.
Depo Provera and Brain Tumor Concerns
There is lots of conversation online and in the media regarding Depo Provera and brain tumors. Patients are understandably concerned about what they are hearing and it can be hard to decipher what it all means.
In the United Kingdom, a study was done on about 30 people post menopause who were using high doses of Depo Provera. In that patient population, there was an increase in patients who developed a brain tumor from 1%-3%.
The study recognizes that there was a correlation in brain tumors and Depo Provera but not a cause. This means that they saw an increase, but can't say it was caused by Depo Provera.
What's important about all of this is that this particular study does not apply to the way we use Depo Provera. We use Depo Provera in low doses to prevent pregnancy in patients before menopause.
There may be more studies in the future that show cause and that would be a time to pause all Depo Provera use to ensure safety. Depo Provera is a contraceptive method that has been used for many decades and is very well researched.
We are open and transparent about the information we know as providers so that you can make an informed decision as a patient for what works best for you.
Learn More About Birth Control Options
This article is part of Haven Health Education, where we explain birth control options so you can make informed decisions about your reproductive health.
Depo Provera Birth Control Shot in Greensboro and Across North Carolina
If you are considering the Depo Provera shot for birth control, Haven Health provides birth control counseling and Depo Provera management in Greensboro, North Carolina and by telehealth across the state.
Many patients have questions about how the injection works, side effects, weight changes, irregular bleeding, and how long it takes for fertility to return after stopping Depo Provera. Haven Health helps you understand how this option fits your health history and your goals.
Patients from Greensboro, High Point, Jamestown, Oak Ridge, Summerfield, Kernersville, and surrounding Guilford County communities visit Haven Health for personalized contraceptive care.
If you live anywhere in Winston-Salem, Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Asheville, Wilmington, or other North Carolina communities, you can schedule a virtual visit to discuss whether Depo Provera is right for you without needing to come into the office.
Haven Health offers patient-centered, evidence-based reproductive care both in person and online across North Carolina.