Depo Provera

Depo Provera prevents pregnancy by stopping your ovaries releasing an egg each month. 

What is it and how does it work?

• an injection of one hormone - progestogen
• stops ovaries from releasing an egg each month

Chance of getting pregnant

• much less than 1%

Health Concerns

• very slight increased risk of breast cancer
• may reduce bone density

Advantages

• one injection lasts 12 weeks
• doesn't interfere with sexual intercourse
• usually no periods
• useful for women who can't take combined pill

Disadvantages

• must be prescribed by a doctor
• irregular periods, no periods or occasionally, heavy bleeding
• periods and fertility take an average of 6 months to return after stopping the injection
• may have side effects, eg. weight gain, depression