Depo Provera – How it Works, the Pros and the Cons

Depo Shot, also known as Depo-Provera, is an injection that is administered once every three months to help prevent pregnancy. When delivered according to the recommended dosing schedule, Depo Shot is 94% effective in preventing pregnancy.

How Does Depo Provera Work?

Depo Provera contains the hormone progestin, and when injected, it prevents pregnancy by doing the following:

Suppresses ovulation by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg. Pregnancy is not possible if there is no egg for the sperm to fertilize.
Thickens the mucus in the uterus, which prevents sperm from entering the cervix and fertilizing the egg.

Why Depo Shot?

Depo Shot is a simple, hands-off contraceptive method that prevents pregnancy without having to take regular or frequent action (taking the birth control pill daily, for example).

**How Do I Get Depo Shot?**

Depo Shot must be prescribed by and administered by your doctor or healthcare professional. To ensure that Depo Shot is an ideal option for you, your doctor may review your medical history and current medication. With time, your healthcare professional may instruct you on how to administer the shot yourself at home.

Fill birth control prescription online, get free delivery every month.

**What are the Pros of Depo Shot?**

Hands-off: From forgetting to take a daily pill to incorrect usage of the NuvaRing – the efficacy of various types of birth control can change significantly based on user error. Since a medical professional typically injects Depo Shot, the possibility of user error is eliminated.

Low maintenance: Depo Shot is administered once every three months. Once the shot has been received, there is no need to take any additional action to ensure an unwanted pregnancy.

By comparison, the birth control pill must be taken daily. Missing or forgetting to take your pills can have a significant effect on its ability to prevent pregnancy. NuvaRing, while easier to manage, still requires maintenance every six weeks.. These actions include changing the ring as per the prescribed schedule, checking the ring to ensure that it is still positioned correctly, and or reinserting the ring promptly in case of an accidental expulsion, etc.

Peaceful periods: Users of Depo Shot can look forward to a decrease in cramping and pain during their menstrual periods. Users can also expect lighter periods or periods that disappear altogether with regular use of Depo Shot.

**What are the Cons of Depo Shot?**

Side effects: As well as most forms of birth control options, Depo Shot has its share of side effects. Users of Depo Shot have reported side effects that include depression, headaches, bloating, abdominal discomfort, dizziness, weight gain, etc.

Delayed return of fertility: If you plan on trying to get pregnant within the next 12 months, Depo Shot isn’t for you. After stopping Depo Shot, it may take 10+ months before ovulation resumes.

Bone mineral density loss: Research has shown that users of Depo Shot, specifically teenagers, may experience bone mineral density loss. This loss of bone mineral density is concerning, especially since girls are still typically gaining bone density in their teenage years. Teens who wish to use Depo Shot as their chosen method of birth control should discuss this with their doctors or healthcare professionals to ensure that it is an appropriate choice.

If you’re on the lookout for a birth control option that effectively prevents pregnancy while being incredibly low maintenance, Depo Shot might be the ideal choice for you.

Speak to your doctor or healthcare professional about your unique birth control needs. Once you have been given your prescription, filling it is as easy as using PocketPills’ online pharmacy service.

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