• Knowledgebase: Questions about Sex, Puberty, and Periods

    Questions about Sex, Puberty, and Periods, for adolescents and their parents.

    7. How does Depo-provera work? - Top

    Depo-provera is a very effective contraceptive method. A woman is given a Depo injection every three months. It is a hormonal (progestin-only) form of contraception, acting by suppressing Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) levels and disrupting the menstrual cycle. Depo is used by more than fifteen million women in more than ninety countries.

    If you miss your shot, your chances of pregnancy increase the longer you wait to get another shot. How long this "forgiveness" period lasts depends primarily on how long a woman has been on Depo-provera, so call your provider if you miss your shot.

    Your provider will also help you switch from birth control pills to Depo-provera, if that's what you choose.


    Basic Depo Info
    Continue to use condoms for safer sex in addition to Depo, because you are not protected against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
    Make sure you have a shot every three months (twelve weeks) for Depo to be effective.
    Depo tends to make a woman's periods less regular, and spotting between periods is fairly likely. Some women stop having periods completely. If your pattern of menstruation after being on Depo concerns you, discuss it with your provider.
    Weight gain is common with Depo use.
    - Updated: March 10, 2001

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    • James L Horwitz, MD

    David C. Thomas, MD

    Barbara Lindberg, PNP