Depo Provera Pros and Cons

If you or someone you know is thinking of using Depo Provera, please read the following information. There are many reasons women choose to use the contraceptive, but we must also weigh in the problems associated with it.

Pros

1. you get an injection only once every 3 months.
2. menstruation has either stopped or became less frequent in some women
3. you won't have to worry about remembering pills, applying patches or inserting your diaphragm right before intercourse.
4. it is 97% -99% effective against pregnancy
5. contains no estrogen
6. cramping and pain associated with menstruation may be lessened
7. you may still conceive after stopping Depo Provera (though it may take up to 18 months after)
8. it is safe for nursing mothers
9. it is generally less expensive than other forms of birth control
10. it is effective 24 hours after your first dose

Cons

1. does not protect against STD's
2. some women have had heavier and more frequent menstruation during use
3. may cause you to lose calcium in your bones. longer exposure means greater loss that you may not get back.
4. most women experience weight gain in the first year and an increase in body fat
5. is still not approved in certain countries
6. may cause abdominal pain and discomfort
7. may cause headaches
8. increased fatigue is shown in some women
9. breast cancer tumors were found in dogs that were given Depo Provera in research studies
10. it caused endometrial cancer in 1 out of 6 monkeys in research studies

Like I said, this is just a list of some advantages and disadvantages of the usage of Depo Provera Contraception Injection. I suggest that if anyone is considering this form of birth control, to do more research on the drug. And also follow this blog for more posts about the health risks and history of Depo Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate)