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ZIMSEC O Level Combined Science Notes:Contraception:Injection (Depo Provera)

  • Also simply known as Depo
  • It is an injection containing medroxyprogesterone, a contraceptive injection for women that contains the hormone progestin

How it works

Depo provera

Depo provera injection

  • Prevents the release of egg/ovum from ovary
  • Changes the lining of the uterus lining  making it unsuitable for implantation
  • Causes thickening of the cervical mucus

Effectiveness

  • 99.8%

Advantages

  • Effective
  • Convenient and private
  • Reversible
  • Does not interfere with sex
  • Improves breast feeding
  • Protects against infection and pregnancy in tubes
  •  Not affected by medication
  • Reduces premenstrual cramps, menopausal symptoms and some breast diseases
  • Requires a less rigorous schedule keeping

Disadvantages

  • Requires a doctor/nurse’s prescription
  • Some people have a fear of needles and injections
  • Delays in returning to fertility
  • Effects can be stopped at will as say with the pill
  • Disturbance of the menstrual cycle
  • Usually accompanied by side effects

Side effects

  • Headaches
  • Weight change
  • Missed/Irregular periods
  • Mood swings
  • Loss of sexual desire
  • Bloated feeling

To access more topics go to the Combined Science Notes page