Depo-Provera is a highly effective long-acting contraceptive injection. When given every 12 weeks (about 3 months), it's about 99% effective with perfect use and around 94–96% effective with typical use, meaning roughly 4–6 pregnancies per 100 people over the first year of use if injections are not perfectly on schedule. Effectiveness depends on timely dosing and individual factors, but with on-time injections, it provides reliable pregnancy prevention for most users. It also offers added benefits such as reduced or absent periods for many people after a few injections, and it may lessen menstrual heavy bleeding for some. Key points:
- How it works: Depo-Provera contains medroxyprogesterone acetate, a progestin that stops ovulation and thickens cervical mucus, making conception less likely. It does not contain estrogen.
- Dosing schedule: Administered as an injection every 13 weeks (roughly every 3 months). Delays beyond 13 weeks can decrease effectiveness and increase the risk of pregnancy.
- Typical-use effectiveness: About 94–96% per year; approximately 4–6 pregnancies per 100 users in a year if injections are not perfectly on time.
- Benefits: Highly convenient (no daily pill), flexible return to fertility after stopping (fertility generally returns within about 5–12 months, but can take longer for some), and many users experience lighter or no periods after several injections.
- Common side effects: Irregular bleeding or light periods initially; many users have little or no menses after a couple of injections. Weight change, mood changes, and temporary bone density considerations are discussed with clinicians.
- Considerations and risks: May not be suitable for those with certain medical conditions; requires a clinician to administer; there can be a delay in return to fertility after stopping. Discuss contraindications and personal medical history with a healthcare provider.
If you want, I can tailor this summary to your situation (e.g., age, medical history, whether you’ve had children, and whether you’re currently using other hormones) and provide a concise pros/cons list and planning tips for ensuring on-time injections.
