Depo-Provera injection: the pros and cons

Con #1

You have to remember to keep three-monthly appointments at a contraception or sexual health clinic, or at your GP practice to get your Depo-Provera jabs, which are given in the buttock, thigh or upper arm.

There is a two-week window around the time it’s due that you have to adhere to or lose the efficacy.

Pro #2

Because Depo-Provera contains only progesterone, it’s an option for some women who aren’t advised, for any reason such as a family history of breast cancer, to take oestrogen-based contraceptive pills.

Con #2

Some women experience side effects from Depo-Provera, including weight gain, mood swings, headaches, irregular bleeding and breast tenderness.

If you do experience these, you will have to endure them for the 12 weeks or so until the drug wears off.

Pro #3

Depro-Provera isn’t affected by taking other medication, unlike the contraceptive pill which can lose efficacy if, for instance, you take certain antibiotics. It’s also unaffected by vomiting or diarrhoea.

Con #3

You may experience longer, less regular periods or, more commonly with Depo-Provera, stop altogether.

It can take up to a year for them to return after you stop having the injections.

Pro #4

There’s some evidence to suggest that women who take injectable contraception including Depo-Provera , may benefit from some protection against pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and uterine cancer.

Con #4

It can take a year or more for your fertility to return after you stop taking Depo-Provera, so you should take this into account if you may want to start a family earlier than this.

Pro #5

You can continue to use Depo-Provera even while you’re breastfeeding, as although it does pass to your baby via your breast  milk, there’s no evidence that it’s harmful.

However, it’s wise to check with your doctor or midwife as a precaution before starting to breastfeed.

Con #5

Using Depo-Provera affects can cause thinning of the bones in women who are already at risk from osteoporosis through pre-existing low oestrogen levels or a family history of the disease.

It may also be unsuitable for use in women under the age of 19, whose bodies are still making bone. If you’re under 19 and want to use injectable contraception, you should ask your doctor for a detailed assessment first.