McKinley Health Center - On-line Birth Control Class DepoProvera

Updated: August 2008

It is an injectable (shot) form of birth control. A shot given every 12 weeks provides a continuous, highly effective method of birth control.
Works by preventing ovulation (release of the egg from the ovary).
Long acting and can stay in the body for prolonged times, even when the shots have been discontinued. It may take several months for regular periods to return.
Fertility (the ability to become pregnant) may be delayed for 12-18 months after discontinuing injections.
Injections must be received every 10-13 weeks. If an injection is not received within 13 weeks, you must immediately begin using an alternate form of birth control and pregnancy test may be required before another injection is given.
All women taking DMPA should be sure to get 1000-1200 mg of calcium daily in their diet or by using a calcium supplement.

Women who use DMPA may lost significant bone mineral density. Bone loss is greater with increasing duration of use and may not be completely reversible.
Adolescence or early adulthood is a critical time for the body to build bone mass. It is unknown if Depo Provera^®use during this developmental time will increase the risk of osteoporosis and related bone fractures later in life.
Depo Provera^® should not be used for longer than two years unless other birth control methods are contraindicated.
Women who have chronic alcohol or tobacco use, very low body weight, a family history of osteoporosis, or who regularly take certain drugs known to contribute to reduced bone mass (i.e. anticonvulsant medications, corticosteroids) are at greater risk of developing osteoporosis. If you have any of these medical conditions, it is important to talk with your medical provider.
Use of DepoProvera^® may cause symptoms of significant mental depression. Women who have had previous problems with depression may not be good candidates to use DMPA.
Women who have a history of irregular periods may not be good candidates for DMPA.
Effects of the medication may continue for several months even when injections have been discontinued.

CHANGES IN BLEEDING PATTERNS: amount of bleeding may vary from irregular, unpredictable spotting to no bleeding at all. A few women may experience daily spotting.
WEIGHT GAIN may occur. Appetite may increase.
HEADACHES may occur. Contact your provider if they are severe, occur daily or don’t respond to over-the-counter medication.

DepoProvera^® is 99.5% effective when injections are received on schedule.

To Start DMPA:

Schedule a screening appointment with the Women's Health Office Nurse prior to your next period. The first injection will be given during the first five days of the next period.
Women who have not had an annual exam should schedule an appointment with a nurse practitioner or doctor.
Available at McKinley Health Center for an additional charge.

Additional information:
DepoProvera® (DMPA)