Depo Provera: Viable Birth Control Option

Depo Provera isn't often thought of when it comes to birth control. There are so many commercials out there for various birth controls, some of which make your period happen less frequently than normal. A great thing about Depo Provera is that it takes away your period completely. Add on the benefit of getting the shot only four times a year and this could be a very attractive option for someone in the market for a new birth control method.

Depo Provera is a shot administered by a doctor or nurse every three months. The calendar for getting the shot is very strict. Every time a patient receives the shot, the doctor provides her with a sheet of paper that says when they can take the next one. The next shot needs to be taken in that two week time period. If it isn't then the whole process needs to be halted and redone by a doctor. This can cause a period of time where the patient isn't on the medication.

Besides the lack of periods, which was a selling point for me, there are other benefits to taking Depo Provera. This birth control doesn't contain any estrogen, so there are no hormonal balance changes in your body. Depo Provera also decreases the risk of ovarian and uterine cancers.

There are some health risks to using this birth control. There has been proof that Depo Provera permanently lowers bone density, which can't be gotten back after you discontinue use. It can also raise the risk for osteoporosis. Because of this, it's a bad idea to use the medication if you're of an age that still has growing bones. If on the medication, be sure to exercise regularly and ingest plenty of calcium in order to have continued positive bone health.

The side effects of Depo Provera are small but prevalent. There is a substantial amount of weight gain among patients. When I first contacted my doctor about taking Depo, she told me about the weight gain. She said that Depo Provera essentially puts the patient in perpetual PMS, so however a girl is during PMS, she will always be while taking Depo. For a lot of women, they eat more than normal during PMS, so they'll eat this way all the time on Depo. The best way to counteract this is to be mindful of what you eat and to exercise regularly.

Depo Provera takes up to six months to leave the body once the last shot is taken, so it may be a while before full fertility is back and you can have babies. Since Depo stays in your blood and there isn't an antidote, be sure you're ready to take it. Once the shot is taken, there's nothing you can do but wait. Do all the necessary research in order to make an informed decision.

Remember, Depo Provera is only a birth control. It does not protect against any form of STD including AIDS, HIV, and herpes. You will still need to use condoms in order to prevent contraction of these diseases.

Depo Provera is a beneficial birth control that needs only to be taken four times each year. It diminishes your period and can help decrease the risk of ovarian and uterine cancers. Consult your doctor for more information.