Depo provera, provera. Where at low cost ?

Many women wish they didn't have to take their birth control pills every day. That's why more and more women are choosing DEPO-PROVERA as their contraceptive – especially women who want to postpone pregnancy for more than one year.

DEPO-PROVERA is an injection you get from your health care provider every three months (13 weeks). When taken as scheduled-just 4 times a year-it's more than 99% effective. So it's one of the most reliable contraceptives available.

DEPO-PROVERA has been used safely by millions of women in over 100 countries around the world for more than 30 years.

Since its introduction in the United States, millions of American women have started using it.

And DEPO-PROVERA is reversible. Most women who become pregnant after stopping the injection do so within one year.

Most women can. DEPO-PROVERA is especially suited for women who want to postpone pregnancy for more than one year. Because DEPO-PROVERA does not contain estrogen (a hormone in the pill), it may also be an option for women who smoke regularly. However, there are some women who should not use it. Tell your health care provider if you think you might be pregnant or if you have had any unusual vaginal bleeding. Also tell them if you have a history of breast cancer, stroke, blood clots, or liver disease. Your health care provider will advise you whether DEPO-PROVERA is a good choice for you.

This Web site answers most questions women have about DEPO-PROVERA, but only you and your health care provider can decide if DEPO-PROVERA is right for you.

Effectiveness
DEPO-PROVERA is 99.7% effective (compared to 95% for the pill), making it one of the most reliable methods of birth control available. You only need to get your injection just 4 times a year-once every 3 months (13 weeks).

You must get your first injection during the first five days of a normal menstrual period. You are then protected from pregnancy immediately after you receive the injection.

Most women experience irregular menstrual bleeding or spotting temporarily (for the first 3 to 6 months). Many women stop having periods altogether after about 12 months. Having your periods stop is not a medical problem. The reason they stop is because DEPO-PROVERA causes a resting state in your ovaries. When your ovaries do not release an egg monthly, the regular monthly growth of the lining of the uterus does not occur, so the menstrual bleeding does not occur. Periods usually return within 6-18 months after you stop taking the injections. You may want your health care provider to explain this in more detail. As with other hormonal contraceptives, some patients on DEPO-PROVERA may experience weight gain. You can help control weight gain with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Just like with the pill, some women have also reported nervousness, dizziness, stomach discomfort, headache, and fatigue. The use of DEPO-PROVERA may also be associated with a slight decrease in the amount of calcium stored in your bones, which may be considered among the risk factors for the development of osteoporosis.

You should not use DEPO-PROVERA if you think you might be pregnant, if you have had unexplained periods, or if you have breast cancer, blood clots, liver disease or a history of stroke. DEPO-PROVERA doesn't protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

Before you consider any birth control method, you should discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor or health care provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

How effective is DEPO-PROVERA?

DEPO-PROVERA is one of the most reliable methods of birth control available. Under normal conditions of use, it's 99.7% effective (compared to 95% for the pill). DEPO-PROVERA has been used safely by millions of women around the world for 30 years. You should also be aware that DEPO-PROVERA does not protect against HIV infection or other sexually transmitted diseases.


	My periods have become irregular since I started DEPO-PROVERA. Is this ok?

Yes. Most women experience irregular menstrual bleeding temporarily (for the first 3 to 6 months) while taking DEPO-PROVERA. The type of irregular bleeding varies from woman to woman, and may change as you continue on DEPO-PROVERA. The bleeding patterns can include: spotting, longer or shorter periods; heavier or lighter periods. As you continue to receive DEPO-PROVERA, the irregular bleeding will subside and you will probably begin to experience no bleeding at all. If at any time you experience heavy bleeding or bleeding that does not stop, or you think there is a chance of pregnancy, call your health care provider.


	My doctor said my periods may stop while on DEPO-PROVERA. Is this a normal experience?

Yes. As you continue to receive DEPO-PROVERA every three months (within 13 weeks), you will probably begin to experience no bleeding at all. This is a normal experience. In fact, many women consider it an advantage.

The absence of having periods is called "amenorrhea." It is not a medical problem and not something to worry about. The reason your periods stop is because DEPO-PROVERA causes a resting state in your ovaries. When your ovaries do not release an egg monthly, the regular monthly growth of the lining does not occur.


	I've heard that some women may gain weight on DEPO-PROVERA. Can I control this?

As with other hormonal contraceptives, some women have reported a slight gain in weight while on DEPO-PROVERA. You can help maintain your weight by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and living a healthy lifestyle. Here are some tips to help you maintain your weight:

	Limit portions of food high in fats: dairy products like cheese, butter, and whole milk; red meats; cakes and pastries.
	Eat foods naturally high in fiber, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
	Make sure you eat appropriate portions and choose from a variety of foods.


	How much does DEPO-PROVERA cost?

A year of DEPO-PROVERA is comparable to the birth control pill.


	How soon can I get pregnant after I stop using DEPO-PROVERA?

DEPO-PROVERA is a reversible long-term birth control method. You can stop the injections at anytime. Most women who become pregnant after stopping DEPO-PROVERA do so within one year.


	What if I forget or can't come to my three-month (13-week) appointment?

It is important to get your injection on time. Mark your calendar to remind you when it is time for your next appointment. It is safe to have your injection up to 2 weeks early if your 3-month (13 weeks) appointment is not convenient.

If you wait longer than 3 months (13 weeks), you will no longer be protected. Use another form of birth control (like condoms or spermicide) or don't engage in sexual activity until you get your injection.


	Can I use DEPO-PROVERA right after I have a baby?

New mothers who do not plan on breast-feeding can begin having injections right after childbirth, even before they go home from the hospital. Mothers who are breast-feeding can begin having shots 6 weeks after childbirth. The injections do not harm the baby or reduce the flow of breast milk.


	Will DEPO-PROVERA protect me from HIV/AIDS and other diseases passed on by having sex?

No. Only a latex condom can provide protection from sexually transmitted diseases.