Depo-provera (The Needle)

What is Depo-Provera? 

• Depo-Provera is a hormone given by injection (a needle).
• Each injection protects against pregnancy for three months. 
• The injection is usually given in the upper arm by a health provider.

How does it work? 

• Depo-Provera releases a hormone (progesterone). This hormone stops your ovaries from releasing an ovum (egg) each month.
• It also makes the mucus in the cervix thicker. This makes it harder for sperm to get into the cervix. 
• It also changes the lining of the uterus so it is harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus. 
• Depo-Provera will prevent pregnancy more than 99% of the time. 

How soon does it start working? 

• When you have the Depo-Provera injection within the first five days of your menstrual cycle, it works immediately. 
• When you have the Depo-Provera injection after the first five days of your menstrual cycle, it works after 14 days. 
• When the Depo-Provera injection is given to a woman after she has given birth, or had a miscarriage or an abortion, it works immediately.

Does it protect me from STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) and HIV? 
NO. Always use a condom to reduce your risk of getting an STI.

Are there side effects? 

• Some women using this method have changes in their between periods.
• Other common side effects include breast tenderness, increased appetite, depression, headache or dizziness, and a decrease in sex drive.
• You cannot stop the effects of Depo-Provera immediately, and it can take up to 8 months for your fertility to return.

Where can I get Depo-Provera?  Depo-Provera requires a prescription from a physician or nurse practitioner. You can take your prescription to:

• A pharmacy
• A teen clinic
• A sexual health clinic 
  

Before I start to use depo-provera, what will the health care provider need to know?
The health care provider needs to know if: 

• You are pregnant or think you are pregnant 
• You have a liver disease, heart problems, seizures, diabetes or asthma 
• You have migraine headaches or depression 
• You are using any medication including contraceptives 
• You have any allergies 
• You have experienced heavy vaginal bleeding 
• You have lumps, swelling or tenderness in your breasts 
• You have any medical conditions or illness 
• You have had a Pap test, and if so, when was your last Pap test.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of these health conditions, you should talk to a health care provider.

Note: If you did not take the Depo-Provera on time and did not use another form of birth control method during sex, see a health care provider for emergency contraception.

For more information please call the Sexual Health Program: 

Ph: 578-2513
E-mail: sexualhealthprogram@brandonrha.mb.ca