What is Depo-Provera? Depo Provera is a hormone shot that you get every three months at the doctor’s office. It is actually a contraceptive to prevent pregnancy. It suppresses your ovulation keeping your ovaries from releasing an egg.
Benefits:
- It decreases your menstrual cramps and pain
- Decreases the risk of endometrial cancer
- In some cases stops menstruation or just lessens your menstruation blood flow
- To top it all, you don’t take it every day, so you can be stress-free for three months
However, Depo-Provera isn’t appropriate for everyone. Your healthcare provider will give you the best information about it. Nevertheless here are some of the reasons why Depo-Provera might not be a wise decision for you if you have :
- Liver disease
- A history of a stroke or a heart attack
- Unexpected vaginal bleeding
- Any history of depression
- Breast cancer
- Sensitive to any component of Depo-Provera
Risks
Delay in your return to fertility
Depo is legally not for those who just need a temporary delay of pregnancy prevention. Because the Depo-Provera hormone takes about 7-8 months to create in the system.
Does not protect against STI
Otherwise, some studies have suggested that hormonal contraceptives such as Depo actually increase the risk of chlamydia and also HIV. But using conforms will decrease your rid of STI.
Might affect the bone mineral density
Research has also suggested that Depo might cause a loss of mineral density. This is mostly concerning for teens who haven’t reached their peak bone mass. For now, there is not enough information on whether the loss is reversible l.
How to get pregnant after Depo
Do remember Depo-Provera Contraceptives Injections are not long-term birth control. This means it’s shouldn’t be used for more than 2 years. Well, listen ..
Hilda Hutcherdon ,M.D the clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology in New York City at Columbia University Medical Center said “ it is possible to become pregnant after the three-month mark, but it usually takes several additional months for the complete effect of the hormone to dissipate and to begin ovulation and have regular periods.”
But remember the saying “what works for you might not work for me”. Yes that one
Everybody’s body is different and the ways the hormone affects one’s body will also be quite different. So there is actually no way you can predict when your fertility will be restored. For some people, it might take around six to 8 months but for some, it might take more than a year. But some get regular periods for as little as four months last shot.
So the wisest thing to do is if you want to get pregnant in a year, stop taking Depo immediately. Hopefully mid year you’ll get the 2 lines you are dreaming of.
