Depo Provera: Viable Birth Control Option

Depo Provera isn't often thought of when it comes to birth control. There are so many commercials out there for various birth controls, some of which make your period happen less frequently than normal. A great thing about Depo Provera is that it takes away your period completely. Add on the benefit of getting the shot only four times a year and this could be a very attractive option for someone in the market for a new birth control method.

Depo Provera is a shot administered by a doctor or nurse every three months. The calendar for getting the shot is very strict. Every time a patient receives the shot, the doctor provides her with a sheet of paper that says when they can take the next one. The next shot needs to be taken in that two week time period. If it isn't then the whole process needs to be halted and redone by a doctor. This can cause a period of time where the patient isn't on the medication.

Besides the lack of periods, which was a selling point for me, there are other benefits to taking Depo Provera. This birth control doesn't contain any estrogen, so there are no hormonal balance changes in your body. Depo Provera also decreases the risk of ovarian and uterine cancers.

There are some health risks to using this birth control. There has been proof that Depo Provera permanently lowers bone density, which can't be gotten back after you discontinue use. It can also raise the risk for osteoporosis. Because of this, it's a bad idea to use the medication if you're of an age that still has growing bones. If on the medication, be sure to exercise regularly and ingest plenty of calcium in order to have continued positive bone health.