“I took the Depo shot last month for the first time and up until just recently, I’ve had all the awful side effects: cramping, mood swings, headaches, everything. Is it just because it was my first time getting the shot or will this happen all over again after the next injection?”

Depo Provera is a very effective form of birth control when used correctly but many women report side effects such as irregular bleeding, mood swings, cramping, and weight gain. When counseling women on this form of birth control, it should be stressed that the side effects may take 6-12 months to resolve.

The Depo Provera shot works by releasing a hormone-progestin-that prevents the release of an egg each month. Progestin also causes the cervical mucus to become thicker to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. Lastly, with no egg production, the lining of the uterus does not get thick every month and over time, women who choose Depo Provera will stop having a monthly menstrual period.
These side effects are normal but can be frustrating to women.

Side effects that are not normal are:

• a new lump in your breast;
• major depression;
• migraine with aura — seeing bright, flashing zigzags, usually before a very bad headache;
• pus, pain for many days, or bleeding where you were given the shot;
• unusually heavy or prolonged vaginal bleeding;
• yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Talk to your provider about any side effects that you are experiencing.

“I took the Depo shot four weeks ago and have been experiencing vaginal dryness and pain during sex.  In the first week,  I was getting headaches but they disappeared – does that mean the pain will disappear as well? If not, is there anything I can do to stop it?”

The pain you are having with sex may be because of the vaginal dryness. There are several lubricants on the market that can be used, such as KY or Astro-glide. These are water soluble and can be used with Latex condoms. Remember, products made with petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, should never be used as a lubricant. If the extra lubrication does not relieve the painful sex, you should see a care provider.

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Once you begin Depo Provera for contraception, your periods may be early or late, shorter or longer, or heavier or lighter than normal. You may also have some spotting between periods, especially during the first several months of use.

Over time, your periods may stop completely, and this is normal. As long as you are getting your injections every 3 months, you should continue to be protected against pregnancy.

When you stop getting the Depo Provera shots, your periods will usually return within a year, but you are not protected against pregnancy.

If you have missed an injection, or if more than 13 weeks pass between injections and you think you may be pregnant, see your doctor.

Just a reminder, Depo Provera does not provide protection against sexually transmitted infections so latex condoms should be used.

“Can you get pregnant while on The Depo Shot?”

Although it is uncommon, there is a small chance. For 100 women that use the Depo Provera Shots, about 10 will experience an unintended pregnancy. Therefore, it is really important to get the shots on time. Depo Provera shots are every 3 months.

Remember: the Depo Provera shot does not protect against sexually transmitted infections so use a latex condom for added protection against pregnancy and infection.

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