What Is Depo-Provera or Depo-Shot?

Depo-Provera is an injectable medicine that helps in preventing pregnancy. In medical terms, Depo-Provera is a synthetic form of female sex hormone- progesterone. Depo-Provera prevents the pregnancy by restricting ovulation and thickening cervical mucus. By restricting ovulation, Depo-Provera eliminates all the chances of fertilization of the ovum or eggs. Similarly, by thickening cervical mucus, Depo-Provera prevents the sperm to enter the uterus and eliminates the chances of fertilization. Depo-Provera also causes thinning of the uterine wall, which makes the uterus less receptive for the implantation of fertilized eggs.

How Effective Depo-Provera Is?

Depo-Provera is one of the most effective methods of preventing pregnancy. For the complete prevention from pregnancy, it is essential that the Depo-Provera or Depo-Shot must be repeated every 12 weeks or 3 months. In case, if you missed the next scheduled Depo-Provera for more than five days, then you will have to go through a test before taking the next Depo-shot.

What Are The Side Effects Of Depo-Provera?

Side effects of medicine can affect individual people in many different ways. Some of the common side effects that are associated with Depo-Provera are stated below.

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Acne
• Abdominal Discomfort
• Bloating
• Mood swings
• Insomnia

Who Should Not Use Depo-Provera?

It is recommended that one should consult their physician before considering taking Depo-Provera. Depo-Provera is not suggested to the women who have a history of blood clots. In addition, Depo-Provera is not recommended to the women who have liver diseases, cancer of reproductive organs or breasts. Depo-Provera is strictly prohibited if a woman is a pregnant. Moreover, if you want to have a baby in the next year, then you must avoid Depo-Provera. Since, after taking Depo-Provera or Depo-Shot, the ovaries require 9 to 10 months for proper functioning.

Conclusion

Depo-Provera can cause various negative impacts on the physical and emotional health of a woman. There are many cases in which women have experienced delayed sterility, osteoporosis, weight gain, cancer (cancer of reproductive organs and breasts), nervousness, depression, and loss of sex drive after taking Depo-Shot. In addition, prolong use of Depo-Provera can cause serious health problems. Moreover, unlike other contraceptive methods such as condom and diaphragm, Depo-Provera cannot prevent against sexually transmitted diseases. So, most of the physicians do not rate Depo-Provera as the best method for preventing pregnancy. However, if you are considering taking Depo-Shot, then you must determine complete pros and cons of Depo-Shot.

Note: It is highly recommended that you must talk to your doctor to determine if Depo-Provera or Depo-Shot is right for you.