5 Ways to Use the Depo-Provera Shot for Birth Control

1. No More Ovulating

Depo-Provera, sometimes referred to as the Depo Shot, is an injectable birth control method that prevents pregnancy for up to three months. Doctors administer the shot in three-month intervals in either the buttocks or upper arm. The actual medication is similar to progesterone, a hormone produced by the ovaries every month with the menstrual cycle. The Depo shot prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg during each monthly cycle. If an egg isn't released, than pregnancy is unlikely to occur.

2. It's Highly Reliable

Depo-Provera is one of the most effective birth control methods available. With a 99.7 percent effectiveness rate, it is as effective as a woman getting a tubal ligation and more effective than any other forms of birth control like the sponge, the pill or diaphragms. However, Depo-Provera doesn't protect against sexually transmitted diseases. If you are not in a long-term committed relationship, then using a condom is necessary to protect against STDs.

3. Periods May Be a Thing of the Past

Most women experience changes in their menstrual cycle once on Depo-Provera. Some of the changes women experience include changes in menstrual bleeding, irregular or unpredictable periods, spotting, reduced periods or no periods at all. Roughly, 50 percent of women experience no menstrual cycle after their first year on Depo-Provera. Not having a period isn't harmful and normal cycles resume once a woman stops getting the shot. Other side effects include discomfort, headaches, weakness or fatigue, nervousness, abdominal cramps and weight gain.

4. Pregnancy Still Possible After Depo-Provera

After you stop taking Depo-Provera, your ovulation returns to normal. You can get pregnant again as soon as the last of the medication leaves your system. On average 83 percent of women were pregnant within a year of ending their shots. This average is similar to the number of women who become pregnant within a year not having used Depo-Provera. However, it's important to note that on average it takes 9 to 10 months after you receive the last shot before you conceive. So, if you're looking to definitely get pregnant within the next year, Depo-Provera is not for you.

5. Not for Long Term Use

You shouldn't take the Depo Shot for longer than two years, unless there aren't any other forms of birth control right for you. Using Depo-Provera can cause calcium depletion in your bones. The longer you use it, the more calcium you can lose. The calcium may not return after you stop using Depo-Provera and your risks of osteoporosis can increase.