What You Need to Know About Depo-Provera

Depo-Provera is a reversible method of prescription birth control. Also known as DMPA, Depo shot, Depo, or the birth control shot, this progestin-only contraceptive prevents pregnancy for up to three months with each shot.

Depo-Provera slowly releases a progestin known as medroxyprogesterone acetate which must be taken every 13 weeks. It works by preventing ovulation and thickening the cervical mucus. This prevents sperm from entering the fallopian tubes and fertilizing an egg that may have been ovulated.

Depo-Provera is between 94% and 99% effective. With typical use, three out of every 100 women who use Depo-Provera will become pregnant.

Formulations

There are two versions of Depo-Provera. Each provides the same level of pregnancy protection.

Depo-Provera Injection

The original Depo-Provera formula must be injected into a muscle, either the buttock or upper arm. You must have a shot four times a year (every 13 weeks) to maintain Depo-Provera’s high effectiveness rate.

One shot contains 150 milligrams (mg) of medroxyprogesterone acetate.

If you get your first Depo shot within the first five days of your period, it will provide immediate pregnancy protection. If you start treatment at any other time in your cycle, you should use a backup method, such as condoms, for at least seven days.

Depo-SubQ Provera 104 Injection

This version contains 31% less hormone than the original Depo shot at 104 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate. Because it has a lower dose of progestin, it may lead to fewer progestin-related side effects.

The subQ stands for subcutaneous, meaning that the shot is injected under the skin, not into a muscle. It requires a smaller needle and is delivered into the thigh or abdomen four times a year (every 12 to 14 weeks).

You can easily switch from Depo-Provera to Depo-subQ Provera 104 at your next scheduled injection. If you do this, you will have immediate pregnancy protection.

Advantages

Compared to other birth control methods, Depo-Provera is appealing to many women for a number of reasons.

• It's a highly effective and reversible prescription birth control option.
• You don't have the hassle of a daily birth control method like the pill.
• You only have to get Depo-Provera injections four times a year, then you don't need to think about birth control for months.
• Depo-Provera may make your periods very light and may stop them altogether after a few injections.
• Depo-Provera doesn't interfere with having sex, so it allows for spontaneity.
• It's a private and discreet contraceptive choice. Nobody has to know that you use Depo-Provera because there are no wrappers or pill compacts.
• Depo does not contain estrogen, so it can be a good alternative if you cannot tolerate estrogen or use combination contraceptives.
• Women who are breastfeeding or are six-weeks postpartum can safely use Depo-Provera.

Disadvantages

It's common for birth control to have disadvantages. Depo-Provera is no different, and it's important to know both the pros and the cons before you make a decision. Among the other disadvantages:

Scheduling is Important

You must remember to make your injection appointment every 12 weeks. If it's been more than 13 weeks since your last shot (or 14 weeks since your last Depo-subQ 104 shot), use a backup birth control method so you don't get pregnant.

Bone Density Loss

Due to this known side effect, it's recommended that you don't use Depo Provera or Depo-subQ Provera 104 for more than two years.

Bleeding Issues

Many women stop using Depo-Provera during the first year due to spotting, irregular bleeding, and/or continuous bleeding. This side effect is especially common during the first three months.

Skin Reactions

In a small number of cases, women have experienced reactions in the area where they received the Depo shot. The skin around the injection may also get dry, dimpled, or feel lumpy.

Delayed Return of Fertility

You need to stop Depo injections one year before you want to get pregnant. After your last shot, it takes an average of nine to 10 months (and sometimes more than a year), to begin ovulating and regain fertility.

Weight Gain

Some studies show that women gain an average of 5.4 pounds the first year and 8.1 pounds by the end of the second year.

Mild Pain

Some women report mild pain associated with the Depo injection.

There's no way to predict who will get side effects or any way to stop them once they occur. While the symptoms usually resolve once the treatment is stopped, it may take you 12 to 14 weeks for them to go away completely.

Less Common Side Effects

Over the first year of Depo shots, you may notice a few changes as your body adjusts.

Some of the less common side effects include:

• Changes in sex drive
• Change in appetite
• Hair loss
• Increased hair on the face or body

In a few women, it may cause:

• Depression
• Nervousness
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Skin rash
• Spotty darkening of the skin
• Sore breasts

Additional Considerations

If you're currently using another hormonal method, you can switch to Depo-Provera.

You should receive your first Depo shot within seven days after discontinuing your current method—meaning within seven days after taking your last active combination birth control pill, removing your Ortho Evra Patch, or taking out your NuvaRing.

Appropriate Use

Depo-Provera can be a safe birth control option for most healthy women. It's important that you discuss your complete medical history with your doctor before receiving an injection. Depo-Provera is not recommended for adolescent girls or for women who any of the following:

• Breast cancer
• Thrombophlebitis, a history of thromboembolic disorders, or cerebral vascular disease
• Risk factors for osteoporosis (bone disease, excessive alcohol or smoking, a family history of osteoporosis, anorexia, or use of steroid drugs)
• Significant liver disease
• Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
• A desire to become pregnant within the next year

Non-Contraceptive Uses

While Depo-subQ Provera 104 is recognized as a safe and effective form of long-term birth control, it has other uses that are distinct from original Depo-Provera.

Depo-subQ Provera 104 is also approved for the treatment of endometriosis pain. Research has shown that it's just as effective as leuprolide but with fewer vasomotor symptoms (like hot flashes and sweats) and less bone density loss.

The efficacy of the drug extends to alleviating pelvic pain and tenderness, dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps), painful intercourse, and the hardening and thickening of endometrial tissue.

Both Depo-Provera versions can also help lower your uterine cancer risk.

Cost of Treatment

Under the Affordable Care Act, most insurance plans must cover doctor visits related to birth control and the shot itself is free under most plans. Medicaid may cover the cost as well.

Any changes to the Affordable Care Act may affect whether insurance plans cover contraception. Check with your insurance plan to see what your coverage and costs may be.

If you don't have coverage, you'll need to pay out-of-pocket for the medical exam and the injection.

Your cost may be as much as $250 for the first visit and as much as $150 for further visits. The cost of a Depo-Provera injection can range from $50 to $95. This translates to a total cost of roughly $220 to $650 per year, on top of office visits.

A Word From Verywell

Since it was first approved by the FDA, Depo-Provera has been a popular option for birth control. Whether it's right for you depends on various factors. Many women have found that a couple of years of regular injections makes managing birth control easier.

Speak with your doctor to see if it's a good fit and be sure to ask any questions you have along the way.