How Does The Birth Control Shot Work
The hormone progestin in the birth control shot works by preventing ovulation . If a girl doesn’t ovulate, she cannot get pregnant because there is no egg to be fertilized.
The progestin also thickens the mucus around the cervix. This makes it hard for sperm to enter the uterus and reach any eggs that may have been released. The progestin also thins the lining of the uterus so that an egg will have a hard time attaching to the wall of the uterus.
Reasons Why The Injection Might Not Be A Good Option For You:
- It is difficult to see a doctor or nurse every 12 14 to have the injection.
- You have plans to become pregnant in the near future.
- Have breast cancer or have been treated for breast cancer.
- Have severe liver disease.
- Have a number of risk factors for heart disease .
- Had a previous heart attack or a stroke.
Q: Can Ibuprofen Help Reduce Heavy Periods
A: We do recommend high-dose anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen to slow down heavy periods. They have some potential to help in the short term. But they only slow the flow by about 10 to 20%.
While we recommend ibuprofen a lot for women with significant cramping, most of them dont notice major changes in their flow.
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What Is The Depo
Depo-Provera is a birth control method that women can get as a shot. You might hear people call it a contraceptive injection or birth control shot. Itâs a manmade hormone, medroxyprogesterone, which is similar to the natural female hormone progesterone.
You get the shot in your arm or buttock. It works for up to 12 to 14 weeks. You have to get it every 12 weeks to get full protection..
I Am Miserable After Stopping Depo Is Their Online Support
Yes. Women who experience extreme discomfort after stopping Depo-Provera are not alone. This discussion of women’s experiences coming off Depo may help. It includes an interview with an endocrinologist who has studied how hormonal birth control affects women’s health.
I hope that you’ve learned something new from my experience and that this has been helpful for you!
This content is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
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Your Period On Birth Control: What Is A Withdrawal Period
Before we can get into what birth control stops your period, theres something you should know.
Did you know that your period while on hormonal birth control is an imposter? Dont panic! We can explain.
Women taking hormonal birth control typically have what are called withdrawal periods. While they may look and feel like regular periods, they arent actually true periods at all.
These periods usually occur during your placebo week when taking hormonal birth control such as the ring, the patch, or the pill. However, as mentioned, this bleeding isnt really a true period. According to the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals , its the bodys reaction to not having the hormones it gets the other three weeks of the cycle.
Getting Contraception During Coronavirus
If you need contraception, call your GP surgery or a sexual health clinic as soon as possible. Only go in person if asked to.
It might not be possible to have contraceptive injections at the moment. You may need to use another type of contraception such as condoms or the progestogen-only pill for now.
If you usually do contraceptive injections yourself, you may be able to get a prescription for another 12 months.
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What Is Good About The Injection
- It is very effective.
- It lasts for 12 14 weeks.
- Most users have no vaginal bleeding at all or very light bleeding.
- Periods may be less painful.
- You can use it while breast feeding.
- No medications stop it from working.
- It is another contraceptive option if you have difficulty taking the hormone oestrogen. The Pill and vaginal ring contains oestrogen and progestogen. The injection only contains progestogen.
Can Contraceptive Pills Stop Periods
In order for us to effectively answer this question, there are some things you should know about the pill. There are two types of birth control pills: the combination pill and the progestin-only pill.
As its name implies, the combination pill contains a mix of estrogen and progestin. It primarily works by stopping ovulation from occurring. In other words, it stops your ovaries from releasing an egg. Without an egg for sperm to fertilize, a pregnancy cannot take place.
Most combination pills require you to take three weeks worth of pills containing hormones. The fourth week is typically your placebo week.
The progestin-only pill, as youve likely gathered by now, only contains one hormoneprogestin. Its often called the mini-pill because of its low hormonal dose.
With this in mind, the combination-pill would be your go-to for stopping your period. However, it also comes down to the type of pill youre taking.
If you werent already aware, not all combination pills are the same. There are multiphasic and monophasic pills.
According to Bedsider, multiphasic pills have a mix of hormones which changes from week after week. On the other hand, monophasic pills contain the same mix of hormones each week.
Its possible to control the timing of your period with both a monophasic pill and a multiphasic one. However, skipping periods with multiphasic pills is not as well studied and, according to Refinery 29, may be a little more difficult to use .
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Accepting That It Is A Normal Symptom
One of the easiest ways to cope with Depo-Provera-related bleeding is to recognize that it is a normal symptom.
However, it is not normal to have very painful or heavy bleeding. People should see a doctor for evaluation in these cases.
While abnormal bleeding can be irritating and alarming, keep in mind that some irregular bleeding or spotting during the early months of Depo-Provera therapy typically means that the body is adjusting to the medication.
Knowing, and accepting, that some light irregular bleeding may happen can help most people manage this frustrating side effect.
Should I Be Worried If I Stop Getting My Menstrual Period While I Am On Depo
No. Many women stop having their menstrual periods after about 6-12 months of getting Depo-Provera® injections. This is no reason to worry. Its not a medical problem and it does not mean you are pregnant. It just means that your ovaries are resting, and the lining of your uterus does not grow. So there is no menstrual bleeding. You will get your menstrual period back within 6-18 months after you stop taking the Depo-Provera® injections.
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Who Can Use The Injection
Most women can have a contraceptive injection.
But it may not be suitable if you:
- think you might be pregnant
- do not want your periods to change
- want to have a baby in the next year
- have unexplained bleeding in between periods or after sex
- have arterial disease or a history of heart disease or stroke
- have breast cancer or have had it in the past
- are at risk of osteoporosis
Q: How Do You Know Which Option Is Best For A Special Event
A: The options might vary, depending on how far in advance the patient consults us.
If patients contact us a couple of months ahead of an event, birth control is likely their best chance to reliably delay a period. If they ask for help a week or two in advance, a high dose of progesterone can delay their period for a week or so.
But remember: Everybody is different. Some women can skip periods for a whole year, and have no bleeding, on certain treatments. Some can only delay periods for two to three weeks, and then will start to get breakthrough bleeding.
For others, we cant ever completely stop their periods, but we can slow or delay them.
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When You First Get On Birth Control Shot What Happens
If you get your first shot within the first 7 days after the start of your period, youre protected from pregnancy right away. If you get it at any other time in your cycle, you need to use another form of birth control for the first week after getting the shot.
If I Decide To Stop Getting Depo
If you want to stop getting Depo-Provera® injections, all you need to do is just stop. Even though, the progesterone in the Depo-Provera® injection actually protects against pregnancy for more than 3 months, its very important to play it safe and start using another type of contraception 3 months or sooner after your last injection.
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Are There Side Effects From Depo
There are possible side effects from Depo-Provera® injections. They can be different for each woman. They include:
- Irregular menstrual periods longer or shorter menstrual periods, heavier or lighter periods
- Loss of menstrual periods
- Weight gain . You can help maintain your weight by eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise. Young women who are already overweight are more likely to gain weight while taking Depo-Provera®.
- Headaches
- Mood changes, worsening depressive symptoms
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain/discomfort
If you get any of these side effects, talk with your health care provider. Its important for you to know that most women will have very irregular periods, especially during the first 6 months you are on Depo-Provera®.
Q: Does Taking High Doses Cause Side Effects
A: High doses of ibuprofen can result in kidney damage, edema or stomach ulcers. If youre on blood thinners, it could increase your risk of bleeding.
But most young, healthy women should have no significant problems from doing high doses once in a while .
Before trying any new medication or taking a higher-than-prescribed dose, however, be sure to talk to your doctor about your best options and the potential side effects.
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What Are The Side Effects Of Depo
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives difficulty breathing swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- menstrual periods that are heavier or longer than normal
- severe pain in your lower stomach
- swelling in your face, or your hands, ankles, and feet
- pain, bleeding, oozing , or skin changes where the injection was given
- symptoms of depression
- liver problems–upper stomach pain, itching, tiredness, dark urine, jaundice or
- signs of a blood clot–sudden numbness or weakness, severe headache, chest pain, sudden cough, coughing up blood problems with vision or speech, swelling or pain in an arm or leg.
Common side effects may include:
- changes in your menstrual periods
- weakness, feeling tired
- headache, dizziness or
- lumps or dimpling in your skin where injections were given.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
If You’re Under 16 Years Old
Contraception services are free and confidential, including for people under the age of 16.
If you’re under 16 and want contraception, the doctor, nurse or pharmacist won’t tell your parents as long as they believe you fully understand the information you’re given, and the decisions you’re making.
Doctors and nurses work under strict guidelines when dealing with people under 16. They’ll encourage you to consider telling your parents, but they will not make you.
The only time a professional might want to tell someone else is if they believe you’re at risk of harm, such as abuse.
The risk would need to be serious, and they would usually discuss this with you first.
Page last reviewed: 7 February 2018 Next review due: 7 February 2021
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How Effective Is Depo
Depo-Provera® is 96% effective in preventing pregnancy, which means that about four unplanned pregnancies will occur out of every 100 women every year. Women at greatest risk of accidental pregnancy while taking the birth control shot include younger women, such as adolescents . This is typically related to human error, such as not getting your shot on time or missing a shot. IUDs and implants placed in the upper arm are considered to be the most effective forms of contraception.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Using Depo
Your healthcare provider will discuss the disadvantages of this birth control option before you take your first shot. These disadvantages can include:
- It can cause unwanted side effects.
- It doesnt provide protection against sexually transmitted infections .
- It can cause irregular menstrual periods.
- You need to stop taking Depo-Provera® several months ahead of time if you plan on becoming pregnant.
- You need to regularly visit your healthcare providers office for injections. Some women find that this becomes inconvenient.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
It is important to find the right birth control that fits your lifestyle and goals. Talk to your healthcare provider about factors like how often you want to take birth control and your plans for any future pregnancies. Certain options, like the birth control shot, are good for people who do not want to take a daily contraceptive. However, you do have to stick to a schedule for your shots when you take Depo-Provera®. Talk to your provider about the pros and cons of the birth control shot to decide if its the right option for you.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 05/12/2021.
References
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Spotting And Irregular Periods After Depo
I was advised that should I ever decide that I wanted to have a baby, it could take a while for it to happen after discontinuing the Depo injections. I was told that it could take up to two years for my period and fertility to return to normal.
I have to say it took about half a year longer than that! I have only just had my first period after a decade of getting the injections. It was not quite normal either. I had quite a few weeks of on-and-off spotting before having what could be called a true period of any description. I had had weeks of spotting on and off about 6 months after initially coming off the injection but it was typically more off then on.
I don’t regret going on this form of birth control. The side effects for me proved very positive and to be honest I am a little scared of the complete return to my ‘normal’ periods. I am also worried that I may find it takes a long time still to become pregnant.