Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit
only search www.healthunit.org
Topics
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Adult / Seniors
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Alcohol / Drugs
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Babies / Children
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Beauty & Body Art
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Cancer
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Dental Services / Oral Health
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Emergencies / Disasters
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Environmental Health Issues
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Food Safety
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Handwashing
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Harm Reduction
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Heart Health
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Immunization / Vaccines
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Infectious Diseases /
Prevention / Control
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Injury Prevention
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Lyme Disease
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Nutrition
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Physical Activity
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Pregnancy
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Rabies
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Sexual Health
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Sun Safety
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Smoking / Tobacco
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Value Every Kid
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Weather
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Workplace Health


  Services
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Clinics
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit District Health Profile
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Health Care Professionals
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Reports & Newsletters
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit School
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Sewage / Land Control
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Water / Small Drinking
Water Systems
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit
Home About Us Board of Health Careers Contact Us Media Search
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit

Birth Control Options

 

Injectable Contraceptive (Depo-Provera*)

What is it?

Depo-Provera is a highly effective, hormonal birth control method that contains progestin. It does not contain any estrogen. It is given by injection (a needle) every 12 weeks (3 months) to prevent pregnancy.



How does it work?

An injection is given in the arm or buttocks 4 times per year (every 12-13 weeks), by a health professional. The hormone progestin works to prevent pregnancy in 3 ways:

  • Stops the ovaries from releasing an egg each month
  • Thickens the cervical mucus making it difficult for sperm to get through
  • Changes the lining of the uterus making implantation difficult




How effective is it?

It is 99.7% effective in preventing pregnancy if the shot is given on time every 12 weeks. With typical use, it is 97% effective.


What are the advantages?

  • One of the most effective and reversible birth control methods available
  • Does not contain estrogen
  • Only need to think about it 4 times per year (one injection lasts for 3 months)
  • Effectiveness is not reduced by other common medications
  • May be suitable for breastfeeding women or women who smoke
  • Can reduce menstrual cramps
  • May stop having periods (amenorrhea). After 1 year over 50% will stop having periods, and after 2 years over 66% will stop having periods. This is not unhealthy.
  • Improves symptoms of endometriosis
  • Decreases the risk of endometrial cancer
  • Effective within 24 hours when given during the first 5 days of a normal menstrual period




What are the disadvantages?

  • Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections
  • Irregular bleeding is the most common side effect
  • Other side effects of progestin include: weight gain, decrease in bone mineral density and delayed return of fertility
  • Bone density loss is of particular concern for teenage girls whose bones are still growing and hardening. Women using Depo-Provera should make sure that they get enough calcium and vitamin D in order to help protect their bones.
  • Return of fertility is longer than with oral contraceptive users. It takes an average of 9 months after the last injection for the ovaries to start releasing eggs again.
  • Women must return to their health care provider every 12 weeks to receive their next injection
  • Must have a prescription



Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Quick Links



Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit
Copyright © 2012 | Disclaimer | Privacy Statement
In Case of Public Health Emergency Please Call
613-345-5685
An Accredited Health Unit Since 1990
Any questions or concerns with the website, please contact
Webmaster
Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit