Depo-Provera Effect on Long-Term Fertility

Depo-Provera's effect on long-term fertility

Depo-Provera is a contraceptive given to women in the form of a shot once every three months. Doctors and fertility specialists agree it's an extremely effective form of birth control, but is it too effective? And are women being properly educated about all the possible effects especially when it comes to future fertility?

Fertility 

A viewer e-mailed FOX21 News concerned about her inability to get pregnant after receiving the Depo Provera birth control shot for several years. She struggled with other contraceptive methods before finding Depo-Provera, which worked until she wanted to have more children. She has been off the shot for a year and has had no luck getting pregnant, but what's worse is she said her doctor never told her about how long it can take once you stop the shot for ovulation to return to normal. The patient product labeling for Depo-Provera discloses that because "Depo-ProveraContraceptive Injection is a long-acting birth control method, it takes some time after your last injection for its effect to wear off. Based on the results from a large study done in the United States, of those women who stop using Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection in order to become pregnant, about half of those who become pregnant do so in about 10 months after their last injection; about two-thirds of those who become pregnant do so in about 12 months, about 83 percent of those who become pregnant do so in about 15 months, and about 93 percent of those who become pregnant do so in about 18 months after their last injection." Dr. Shona Murray, fertility specialist at ADVANCE REPRODUCTIVE MAGAZINE said while Depo-Provera can't make a woman infertile, it can mask other fertility problems. "There are other reasons for having irregular cycles that might get missed because it's being put down as just being on Depo-Provera." 

DEPO PROVERA

Depo-Provera

Depo Provera (also known as DMPA or Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate) is a hormone injection that lasts for 3 months to prevent pregnancy. The injection contains synthetic progesterone and no estrogen. It is usually given in the the arm, hip, upper thigh, or abdomen, delivering a high level of progesterone into the body. Depo Provera stops the ovaries from releasing eggs. Depo Provera causes the cervical mucus to thicken and changes the uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to enter or survive in the uterus. These changes prevent fertilization. Depo Provera is a very private form of birth control because it cannot be seen on the body and requires no home supplies. It does, however, require a clinic appointment every 3 months.

Depo Provera is 97-99.7% effective as birth control. It does not protect against reproductive tract infections, including HIV/AIDS. There are some serious health risks with Depo Provera, so be sure to get all the facts in advance.

Use

The first shot of Depo Provera is usually given during or a few days after the start of a menstrual period. After 24 hours, the shot is effective birth control for the next 13 weeks. Many women find it useful to schedule their next shot slightly earlier than necessary; if something prevents them from making their appointment, there will be a window of opportunity to receive their next shot.

If you are more than a week late for your shot, use a backup method of birth control for the next two weeks. If you are more than a week late and you have had unprotected sex since your last shot, consider taking a pregnancy test before receiving the next dose.

Your Health       

Due to the risk of serious health problems, women with the following conditions should not use Depo Provera.

    * Unexplained vaginal bleeding

    * Known or suspected pregnancy

Depo Provera may not be recommended for women who are planning on becoming pregnant in the near future, are concerned about weight gain, have liver disease, gallbladder disease, or a history of depression. Study the risks and talk with your health care practitioner.