Depo-Provera®

Key points about Depo-Provera

Depo-Provera is a long-acting and reversible type of contraception.
It contains a progestogen, called medroxyprogesterone.
Find out how it's used to prevent pregnancy and possible side effects.

3 female friends smiling with takeaway juices

Depo-Provera is a form of contraception to prevent pregnancy. It contains a progestogen called medroxyprogesterone, a hormone similar to the one produced by your ovaries. Depo-Provera doesn’t contain oestrogen.

Depo-Provera is given as an injection, every 13 weeks (approximately every 3 months) when used for contraception.
It's referred to as a long-acting form of contraception, which means that once you have had the injection, you don't have to remember it every day or every time you have sex until the next injection is due.
It works by stopping your ovaries from producing a monthly egg and changes the lining of the womb so it's less likely to accept a fertilised egg.
Its effect is reversible which means that your natural fertility returns to normal after you stop using it. This usually takes about 10 months, but can take up to 18 months.

Pros

✔ You don’t have to remember to take anything every day – it lasts for up to 14 weeks (approximately 3 months).

✔ It's highly effective and reliable for preventing pregnancy.

✔ It doesn’t interfere with having sex in the way that physical barrier methods do.

✔ Most women won't have periods while on Depo-Provera.

✔ It reduces the risk of endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the womb) by 80%.

✔ It may help if you have heavy or painful periods.

Cons

✘ It doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so it’s important to use condoms when you have sex with new partners or people whose sexual history you don't know.

✘ It may cause irregular bleeding, no periods or occasional heavy bleeding. This is more common when you first start to use Depo-Provera and often improves with time.

✘ Once you've had an injection of Depo-Provera, it lasts at least 13 weeks which can be a nuisance if you experience a side effect.

✘ Your periods and fertility can take an average of 10 months to return after stopping the injection.

Depo-Provera is one of the more reliable forms of contraception.

It's about 97% effective, which means that about 3 out of every 100 women who use Depo-Provera will get pregnant each year.
If you have your injections on time, every 13 weeks, Depo-Provera is more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Depo-Provera injection will be given to you by a trained healthcare provider, usually at your GP surgery or a sexual health clinic such as Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa.

It can be given at any time in your cycle.
If the first injection is given within the first 5 days after the beginning of a normal menstrual period you will be protected from pregnancy straight away.
If you have the injection at another time or if you haven’t been having periods, it will take 7 days to start working. You'll need to use condoms or not have sex for 7 days.
If you've recently given birth, your healthcare provider will advise you on the best time to have the injection.
Depo-Provera is usually given as a single injection into the muscle in your buttock. It can sometimes be given into your upper arm.

Here are some things to know while you’re using Depo-Provera. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

Repeat injections: To prevent pregnancy it’s important to remember to make another appointment every 13 weeks (3 months) with your healthcare provider for another injection.
Late injection: If you’re more than 7 days late for your next Depo-Provera injection, you may be at risk of getting pregnant. If this happens, your healthcare provider will want to be sure that you’re not pregnant before giving you another injection. You may also need to use an additional form of contraception such as a condom for 7 days until this next injection takes effect.
Sexually transmitted diseases: Depo-Provera doesn’t protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Driving: Depo-Provera can make you tired or feel dizzy. Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how this medicine affects you.
Periods and Pregnancy: Once you stop Depo-Provera, it can take from a few months to over a year for your periods to return and to become pregnant.
Pregnant: If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider.

Like all medicines, Depo-Provera can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Side effects	What should I do?
Irritation or pain at the injection site	This usually settles after a few days. Tell your healthcare provider if this continues or gets worse.
Sore breasts Sore stomach Headaches Acne Feeling sick (nausea)	These are common but usually decrease over time. Tell your healthcare provider if any of these bother you.
Feeling tired Feeling dizzy	These are common. Limit or avoid drinking alcohol as this can increase these side effects. Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how this medicine affects you.
Changes in your menstrual cycle such as spotting, longer periods, shorter periods, or no periods	This is common in the first 3 to 6 months of starting this medicine and usually improves over time. Speak to your healthcare provider if you're concerned about these changes.
Mood changes Putting on weight	This is more common if you’re under 18 years of age with a Body Mass Index of 30 or more and use Depo-Provera for more than 1 year. Speak to your doctor or nurse if you're concerned.
Loss in bone density	If you stay on this medicine for longer than 2 years it can weaken your bones. Your healthcare provider may recommend a bone scan to check the strength of your bones. This usually improves after stopping the Depo Provera injection.