Information on Birth Control Shots

Overview

Depo-Provera, also known as the birth control shot, protects women from pregnancy with quarterly hormonal injections. The shots are a good choice for women who don't want to think about birth control on a daily basis, but need an effective means of preventing pregnancy. The failure rate for Depo-Provera is less than 1 percent when the method is used consistently and correctly, according to the American Pregnancy Association (APA).

Identification

The Depo-Provera shot contains progestin, a natural hormone that helps regulate the reproductive process. When a woman is injected with Depo-Provera, the hormone prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs. If eggs are not released, pregnancy cannot occur. The birth control shot also causes cervical mucus to thicken, making it more difficult for sperm to travel through the female reproductive system.

Procedure

Depo-Provera is injected by a doctor or nurse into the upper arm or buttocks and must continue to be injected every three months to prevent pregnancy. The first Depo-Provera shot is given within five days of the start of your menstrual period. Giving the shot in this time range prevents ovulation during the first month and ensures that you are not already pregnant. If you don't receive the shot in this time frame, you must use a back-up method of birth control for seven days after receiving the shot.

Benefits

The Depo-Provera shots has several other important benefits, in addition to providing a convenient form of pregnancy prevention. The shots do not contain the hormone estrogen, used in other types of hormonal birth control methods, such as patches, pills and vaginal rings. If you are breastfeeding or have been advised to avoid estrogen, you can still enjoy the benefits of hormonal birth control without worry. Depo-Provera injections may also provide protection against pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), reduce pain from endometriosis and menstrual cramping, and lower your risk of an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a fertilized egg begins to develop in the fallopian tube rather than the uterus. Long-term Depo-Provera use may reduce your risk of developing uterine cancer, according to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG).

Side Effects

Potential side effects of Depo-Provera injections include irregular bleeding during the first six to 12 months, spotting between periods or heavier, longer periods. If you continue to use birth control shots, you many notice that you are having fewer periods. Periods may stop completely if you use Depo-Provera for more than a year, according to Planned Parenthood. Other side effects may include depression, hair loss, headache, weight gain, nausea, soreness in the breasts or change in your sex drive. Some of these side effects may be temporary and are likely to disappear as your body adjusts to the hormone.

Warning

Serious problems may occur in a small percentage of women who use birth control shots. Call your doctor immediately if you experience heavy vaginal bleeding, serious depression, a yellow tinge to the eyes or skin, a breast lump or bleeding or pain at the injection site. Migraines with auras can also be a sign of a problem. If you have a migraine with an aura, you will see flashing or zigzag lights, followed by a severe headache.