Everything you want to know about the birth control shot (Depo-Provera®)

Are you someone who is thinking of putting off having a baby for a while? Do you find it a bit of a hassle to forget to take your birth control pills every day? Then you have probably heard of this birth control shot that is given every three months. Although many people talk about it, they do not know exactly what it is, how it works, and what are the pros and cons. So today we will talk about this Depo-Provera® shot.

What exactly is this Depo-Provera® vaccine?

Simply put, Depo-Provera® is a birth control shot. It contains a drug called medroxyprogesterone acetate. Some people also call it the "Depo shot." Your doctor injects this shot into your arm or buttock. The best part is that you only need to get it once every 12 weeks (that's 3 months) . If you get it right on time, it's 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. But we all forget things sometimes. Sometimes we miss a dose. So, with typical use, it's about 96% effective. That means about 4 out of 100 women who use this method will get pregnant within a year.

How does this vaccine work inside the body?

This is very interesting. The Depo-Provera® shot contains a hormone called progestin. When this hormone enters our body, it does two main things. 1. Stops ovulation : Normally, a woman's ovaries release an egg once a month. We call this ovulation . A baby is conceived only if this egg joins with a sperm. So this shot stops the release of an egg. Where there is no egg, there is no way for pregnancy to occur. 2. Thickens the cervical mucus: This shot thickens the mucus around the cervix. Then it is very difficult for sperm to swim into the uterus . It is like closing the road. These two methods prevent pregnancy very effectively.

How do I get this vaccine?

This is not something you can buy at a pharmacy. You definitely need to see a doctor and get a prescription for this. Usually, your family health clinic or your doctor's medical center can give you the vaccine. What are those dogs doing? Is there any option for this? If my other full-term baby is found, they will give this vaccine right away without any problems. There is also a type of this vaccine that can be injected under the skin (`Depo-subQ Provera 104`). But it is not very common in our country. If you are interested in it, you can talk to your doctor.

How do I start using the vaccine and when do I start getting protection?

Once you are sure that you are not pregnant, you can start using this vaccine on any day of your monthly menstrual cycle. Often, your doctor will ask you to take a pregnancy test before giving you the vaccine. It is very important to get the next shot exactly 12 weeks after the last dose. If you miss the date, you may be at risk of getting pregnant.

Isn't this vaccine suitable for everyone?

Yes, this is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Some health conditions can make it risky to get this vaccine. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor your full medical history. This vaccine is often not recommended if you have any of the following conditions:

• If you have vaginal bleeding of unknown cause
• Liver conditions
• If breast cancer is diagnosed
• Lupus disease
• If you have had heart disease or stroke

Can a breastfeeding mother use this?

Yes, but there is one small thing to consider. A very small amount of the medicine in this vaccine can pass into breast milk. Therefore, doctors usually recommend waiting until your baby is at least 6 weeks old before starting the vaccine. The best advice on this is to get it from your doctor.

What are the side effects? Should I be worried about this?

Like any medicine, this vaccine can cause some side effects. Although not everybody gets them, the most common ones are:

• Irregular menstrual periods: This is the most common side effect. During the first few months, menstruation may be irregular, with light bleeding for a few days. However , after about a year of using the vaccine, about 55% of women stop menstruating completely. This is not a disease, and it is not something to be afraid of. Having a period every month is not necessarily necessary to maintain good health.
• Weight gain: Yes, this can happen to some people. According to one study, people who used the vaccine for a year gained about 5 pounds (2.2 kg). But this doesn't happen to everyone.
• Osteopenia: This is a concern. Long-term use of Depo-Provera can cause a slight decrease in bone density. This is why doctors usually think twice about using the shot for more than two years.
• Other side effects: Some people may experience things like bloating , headaches and dizziness, depression, and anxiety.

If you have any doubts about any of this, the best thing to do is talk to your doctor.

Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of the vaccine at a glance.

Before choosing any birth control method, it is important to know both its advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages	Disadvantages
You don't have to remember to take the pills every day. Just once every 3 months.	Unpleasant side effects (such as weight gain, irregular menstruation) may occur.
You don't need to do anything before having sex.	There is no protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STIs).
If taken at the right time, it has a very high success rate.	For some, seeing a doctor every 12 weeks can be difficult.
Some people experience a reduction in menstrual pain and heavy bleeding.	It may take some time (usually about 10 months) to get pregnant again after stopping the vaccine.
-	Long-term use may affect bone density.

Can I have a baby again after stopping the vaccine?

It is definitely possible. But there may be a slight delay. After you have had your last shot, it usually takes about 10 months for fertility to return and you to conceive a child. This can vary from person to person. So, if you are hoping to have a baby soon, this method may not be the best option for you. It is best to discuss this with your doctor and make a decision.

Take-Home Message

• Depo-Provera® is a highly effective birth control shot that is taken every 3 months.
• This works by stopping ovulation and thickening cervical mucus.
• Irregular menstruation and then stopping completely is very common and is not a medical condition.
• This vaccine is not suitable for everyone. You should discuss your health status with your doctor before making a decision.
• There may be a delay in getting pregnant again after stopping the vaccine.
• It is essential to follow medical advice, as bone density should be considered when using for longer than two years.
• Important: This vaccine does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. It is important to use condoms.

👩🏽‍⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)

💬 What are the disadvantages of the birth control shot (Depo-Provera) given every 3 months?

After receiving this vaccine, some women experience irregular or complete cessation of menstruation. They may also experience side effects such as weight gain, hair loss, and sudden mood swings.

💬 Is it true that using this vaccine weakens bones?

Yes, that's true. There is a risk of osteoporosis if you continue to get this vaccine for more than two years. That's why doctors say not to use it long-term.

💬 How long does it take to adopt a child after stopping vaccination?

In most cases, some people have difficulty conceiving for up to 10 months after stopping this vaccine. Therefore, this method is not very effective if you are hoping to have a baby soon.