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DEPO-PROVERA INFORMATION SHEET

Depo-Provera is an injectable form of progesterone. It has been used for treatment of diseases such as endometriosis and breast cancer. Depo-Provera has also been used in many other countries as a contraceptive (birth control) and has now been approved for this use in the United States and Canada.

Depo-Provera is given as an injection (needle) every 12 weeks (3months).

It stops the monthly release of an egg from the ovary preventing pregnancy.

It prevents pregnancy in 99.9% of the users if taken every 3 months.

WOMEN WHO MIGHT FIND THIS METHOD OF BIRTH CONTROL FITS WELL INTO THEIR LIFE STYLE ARE:

  • mature (over 35 years)

  • sensitivity to Birth Control Pills such as acne, headaches. leg cramping and nausea

  • history of heart disease, blood clots, sickle cell disease

  • taking anticonvulsants (seizure medication)

  • have difficulty remembering to take Birth Control Pills regularly

  • no longer planning to have any more children

  • women over 35 years who smoke

  • history of high blood pressure

  • want more time to make the decision to have their tubes tied or their partner have a vasectomy

ADVANTAGES:

  • reduction of anemia, tubal infection, endometriosis and uterine cancer.

DEPO-PROVERA IS NOT SUITABLE FOR USE BY WOMEN WHO:

  • have undiagnosed vaginal bleeding

  • active liver disease

  • taking anticoagulants (blood thinners)

  • undiagnosed breast disease

  • undiagnosed amenorrhea (absence of regular periods)

  • just want short term birth control

  • women who are taking medication for depression

  • would not like to have irregular periods or no period at all

YOU MAY LIKE TO KNOW THAT SIDE EFFECTS OR PROBLEMS FROM DEPO-PROVERA MAY INCLUDE:

  • irregular or unpredictable bleeding, or amenorrhea (no period) after 12-14 weeks of use

  • Breast tenderness

  • weight gain of 1 to 3 kg

  • mood swings

  • headaches

  • it may take 6-12 months after stopping Depo-Provera before you may become pregnant ( very rarely up to 2 years) but you should consider yourself fertile 3 months after your last injection.

You should receive your first injection within 5 days after the beginning of a normal menstrual period. If you had an abortion, you have three choices: have your first injection the day of the abortion or within 7 days after or within 5 days after the beginning of your next menstrual period.

It is important to remember, if you choose to use this method of birth control, you will have to return to the clinic every 12 weeks for another injection (needle) of Depo-Provera.

Your own family doctor may also be able to offer you this method of birth control.
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