The quarterly contraceptive injection called Depo-Provera, contains medroxyprogesterone acetate as an active ingredient, and serves to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
Its most common side effect is the appearance of small bleeding after the first injection, in addition to weight gain, which may be sudden and due to fluid retention, it is recommended to follow a low-calorie diet and exercise regularly.
During her use the woman does not have menstruation, but there may be small bleeding during the month. When using Depo-Provera for an extended period of time, menstruation may take longer to return to normal and fertility may take longer than 1 year to be restored.
Price
The price of the Depo-Provera contraceptive injection is approximately 50 reais.
What is it for
Depo-Provera is a long-acting injectable contraceptive that works for at least 3 months. This medication is indicated for women who wish to avoid pregnancy, without having to use medicines daily, as it happens in the contraceptive pills. It may also be indicated to stop menstruation.
How to use
It is recommended to take the injection up to 7 days after the onset of menses, and is protected immediately. However, the injection can also be applied until the 10th day of the menstrual cycle, and it is necessary to use a condom in the next 7 days, for greater protection.
The date of the next injection should be noted so that there is no forgetfulness, but if this happens the woman has up to 2 weeks to take the missed dose without risk of becoming pregnant, although she can take the injection within 4 weeks of the expected date. be careful to use a condom for more than 7 days.
When taken correctly the injection starts to take effect immediately, and in case of delay in the next dose, it begins to take effect in approximately 1 week.
Main side effects
Bleeding may occur throughout the month or lead to complete absence of menstruation. There may also be effects such as headache, breast tenderness, fluid retention, weight gain, dizziness, weakness or fatigue, nervousness, decreased libido or difficulty reaching orgasm, pelvic pain, lower back pain, leg cramps, hair or absence of hair growth, depression, abdominal distension, nausea, rashes, insomnia, vaginal discharge, heat waves, acne, joint pain, vaginitis.
Depo-Provera does not cause miscarriage but is not recommended to take in case of suspected pregnancy.
Who should not take
Depo-Provera is contraindicated during pregnancy and passes into breast milk, so women who are breast-feeding should opt for another contraceptive method. It is also not recommended in case of genitourinary bleeding of undiagnosed cause; in case of proven or suspected breast cancer; in patients with hepatic dysfunction or disease; in case of thrombophlebitis or anterior thromboembolic disorder; for women with a history of abortion.
