Contraception. So many to choose from!
No:5 Depo Injection It is a contraceptive injection that prevents pregnancy. It contains the hormone depo medroxyprogesterone acetate(DMPA). It is similar to the hormone progesterone which is secreted in our body by the ovaries.
You get this injection into your arm or buttock, every 3 months (12 weeks). You need to remember to schedule an appointment with your doctor to get this injection so you don’t miss the right time. You can buy it from the pharmacy with a prescription.
If correctly used every 12 weeks, this contraception is 99.8% effective in preventing pregnancy.
It is great for those who do not want to or cannot remember to take the pill every day. This most of the time makes your period stop, and it is great for those who have very heavy, long and painful periods. It contains only progesterone and hence can be used by those who cannot use contraception with oestrogen, like the combined OCP or the Nuva Ring. It can also be used with some medications that reduce the effectiveness of other contraception like the pill or the implant.
However, it is not easily reversible once it is given. We have to wait for its effects to go away. It might take a while for the periods to return (6-9 months) and it might even take over a year for fertility to return.
Depo does not prevent against STIs and you need to use a condom to prevent yourself from STIs. Depo can be associated with weight gain and decrease bone density (which is easily reversible) Talk to your doctor in detail about other advantages and disadvantages of Depo and whether it is suitable for you.
There are many other long-acting but easily reversible contraception available in the market these days and I will see you all soon with one such.
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Featured photo by Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition on Unsplash
