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Depo-Provera Injection

Effectiveness:

• Typical use: 98%
• Perfect use: 99%
• Works for 12 weeks
• Failure rate increase if shot is not repeated every 12 weeks

Advantages:

• Can reduce menstrual cramps, the number of days and amount of menstrual bleeding. Scanty or no menses reduces problems with anemia.
• Decreases cyclic menstrual cramps, pain, mood changes, headaches, breast tenderness, and/or nausea.
• Suppresses pain associated with ovulation.
• Decreases risk of endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
• No demonstrated interaction between progestin-only contraceptives and antibiotics or enzyme-inducing drugs.
• Decreases frequency of grand mal seizures.

Disadvantages:

• Need to return for shot every 3 months.
• Menstrual changes may include: irregular bleeding or spotting
• Side effects: weight gain, depression, breast tenderness, headaches, allergic reaction
• May cause bone density changes or bone loss; adverse effects on lipids
• Does not protect against HIV and other STD's