My Doctor Online The Permanente Medical Group
Are you having back pain with any of the following?
- Severe pain, weakness or tingling in your leg(s).
- Difficulty stopping urination or loss of control of bladder or bowels.
- Unexplained fever, nausea or vomiting.
- A history of cancer or unexplained weight loss.
We understand that you are experiencing one or more of the health issues that might be impacting your back pain.
We recommend that you discuss these health issues with your doctor before proceeding with this program.
Once you are cleared by your doctor to do this program, we hope it helps you find relief from your back pain.
The Depo-Provera Birth Control Shot
Depo-Provera, sometimes called "the shot," is a birth control injection that contains the hormone progestin. The hormone works by preventing ovulation, thinning the lining of your uterus, and thickening your cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. The shot is given in the arm or buttock 4 times per year (every 12 weeks).
Risk of pregnancy
This is a very effective method of birth control. The risk of pregnancy with Depo-Provera is about 3 percent.
Advantages
- Highly effective method of birth control.
- Convenient: birth control that you only need to think about 4 times per year.
- Can make your period lighter and sometimes stops you from having it completely.
- Can be used safely if you are breastfeeding.
Disadvantages
- Depo-Provera does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
- You won't have your period every month, but it's common to have irregular, unpredictable bleeding or spotting. While this can be annoying, it is not dangerous.
- Changes in appetite can occur with Depo-Provera. Not all women will gain weight, but some do gain several pounds while using Depo-Provera. If you are already overweight, you have a greater chance of gaining weight. Regular exercise and a healthy diet with a lot of vegetables and fruits can prevent weight gain.
- Depo-Provera can thin your bones while you are taking it, but studies show your bones recover once you stop. The long-term effect on your risk of bone fractures later in life is not known. You should be sure to get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet.
- Other possible side effects include headaches, acne, sore breasts, hair loss, and mood changes.
- Once you stop using Depo-Provera, it may take several months before you can become pregnant. After that, you'll have the same chance of getting pregnant as other women your age.
Starting the shot
- Let us know if you're thinking about starting Depo-Provera.
- The best time to start Depo-Provera is sometime during the first 5 days of your period.
- Alternatively, you may be able to get the shot the same day as your visit even if you are not on your period. You need to not have sex or use condoms for the first 2 weeks. You may need to return for a pregnancy test in 2 weeks.
After the first shot
- After you have your first shot, schedule an appointment to have your second shot in 3 months.
- If you did not get the shot while you were on your period, ask for a pregnancy test before getting another shot.
- You should return every 3 months to have a new shot for as long as you want to continue using Depo-Provera.
Stopping the shot
It can take 6 to 18 months for your periods to return to normal after stopping Depo-Provera. You will then have the same chance of getting pregnant as other women your age. On average, it takes 9 to 10 months to become fertile again after one shot.
If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn't enough time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child's) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder.
This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.