Depo-Provera
Intramuscular injection of 150 mg of depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate suspension which lasts for 3 months. Depo-provera prevents ovulation and thickens cervical mucous.
Effectiveness
Side Effects
- menstrual irregularities
- headache
- weight gain
- breast tenderness
- depression
Advantages
- safe
- convenient
- relatively inexpensive ($60 each)
- separates birth control from sexual intercourse
- decreased menstrual cramps and flow
- may be given to nursing mothers because it does not contain any estrogen
Disadvantages
- irregular bleeding or spotting
- weight gain
- possible change in mood
- return of fertility make take up to 1 year