Birth+Control+Pill

Birth Control Shot

Depo-Provera is a synthetic hormone injection into a women’s arm to prevent unwanted pregnancy. (http://www.women-health-info.com/250-Depo-Provera.html)


 * What it is and how it works:**

The birth control shot (Depo-Provera) is hormone injection that a woman gets in her arm in order to prevent pregnancy. This works by releasing the progestin hormone into the body and keeping the body from releasing an egg from the ovaries. It also thickens the cervical mucus preventing the sperm from fertilizing the egg. The shot costs $35-$75 plus exam fees and lasts 3 months. (Planned Parenthood, 2011)


 * How effective is the shot?**

According to the Planned Parenthood website, less than 1% of women will get pregnant each year if they take the shot regularly every 12 weeks and 3% of women will get pregnant if they do not always follow this pattern (i.e. getting their shot two weeks later than schedule). As always, the form of birth control used is only as effective as the person taking it. If a person does not take the birth control as directed or is taking it on medication that interferes, it could decrease the chances of preventing a pregnancy. It is important to remember that women who are on this form of birth control may experience infertility for up to a year after stopping the pill. Therefore, Depo-Provera may not be the best choice for a couple that is planning on starting a family within the year. However, just like the pill, if you stop your birth control medication you run the risk of getting pregnant immediately following the last dosage. Therefore, you should plan on using an alternative form of birth control 3 months after your last Depo-Provera shot. While the birth control shot is very effective at protecting against unwanted pregnancy, it does not protect against HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases. In this case it is important to always use a condom to decrease chances of catching these diseases.

It is important to use condoms along with any birth control to decrease the chance of sexually transmitted diseases. (http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2006/12/11/smaller_condoms_are_no_joke_in_india)


 * When and how do you start taking the birth control shot?**

To begin the birth control shot regimen, a woman must go to her doctor and request to be started on it. The doctor will them perform a physical exam and take a health history for you and your family in order to determine if the shot is right for her. If the shot is a good fit for you and your genetic make-up, the injection will be generally be administered within 5 days after a normal menstrual cycle. If you get the injection within 5 days after a normal menstrual cycle you are immediately protected. If you get it anytime after, you should continue to use condoms or other forms of contraception for 7 days in order to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
 * What side effects or health problems could arise?**

People who use the birth control shot could experience lower sex drives, fluctuation in weight, loss of hair, depression, irregular or no menstrual period, lower bone density, increased hair on body, headache, nausea, or sore breasts (Planned Parenthood). It is important to remember that when choosing a birth control you want to avoid something that continuously makes you feel uncomfortable. So, if side effects last longer than a couple months it is important to consult a physician about finding a different form of contraception. If one was to getting pregnant while on Depo-Provera, the chances of the fetus having a birth defect or health problem increase. It has also been seen that the complications during pregnancy and birth increase as well. As always, be sure to inform a doctor if you are on the Depo-Provera (or any other form of birth control) as the birth control could interfere or be interfered with by other medications the doctor prescribes.


 * Affect of birth control shot on bone strength?**

Using the birth control shot can cause loss of strength in bones. During the teenage years is when you develop the bone strength that carries into adulthood. To decrease the risk of significant bone loss, it would be beneficial for adolescents to start this form of birth control at least two years after menstruation has started. (Children’s Hospital Boston, 2009) It is important to continue exercising and eating a healthy diet in order to ensure that decreased bone strength is limited. Since bones already decrease in strength as you age, it is important to avoid other risky behaviors such as smoking, drinking soda, energy drinks, coffee or anything with a lot of caffeine, and ingesting salt. After ending the medication, loss of bone strength should return to normal. Furthermore, bone density decreases during pregnancy, so you want to consider that when choosing Depo-Provera as a birth control method. (California Family Health Council, 2011)
 * Who should use the birth control shot?**

People who are on Cushing’s Syndrome medication, pregnant, diagnosed with breast cancer, have a blood clot in a vein/artery and are not on medication, or people who are prone to fragility bone fractures/breaks should not use the birth control shot as contraception. The shot is good for young women who tend to forget to take a pill everyday and are sexually active (Hirsch, 2009). Since the birth control shot involves no packaging, it can also be better for someone who is easily embarrassed by revealing they are on a form of birth control. It is also safe for breast-feeding mothers to take because it does not contain estrogen (Planned Parenthood).


 * What are the advantages and disadvantages of the birth control shot?**

Advantages: - It is easy and lasts for three months - It is has a high rate of effectiveness - Could help prevent things like ovarian cancer - Decreased chance in anemia - Reduction in cramping pre-menstrual and during menstruation - Reduction in flow - Safe for women who cannot take estrogen - No interruption in sex

Disadvantages - When first starting you can have a change in your period - You may not be able to pinpoint when you will be having your period (unlike the pill where the color of the pill corresponds with where you are at in your cycle) - Periods could be longer or shorter - Your period could completely stop after 12 months (makes spotting accidental pregnancy more difficult)

References:

California Family Health Council. (2011).//Birth control shot//. Retrieved from Teensource.org/pages/3065/Birth_Control_Shot.htm

Planned Parenthood. (2011). //Birth control shot (depo-provera)//. Retrieved from www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/birth-control-shot-depo-provera-4242/htm

Hirsch, L. (2009). //About birth control: the birth control shot//. Retrieved from http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/sexual_health/bc_shot.html#

Children's Hospital Boston. (2009, October 13).//Depo-provera hormonal injection//. Retrieved from http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/femalehormone2.htm

Cedar River Clinics. (2010). //The shot: depo-provera//. Retrieved from http://www.fwhc.org/birth-control/bcdepo.htm