Depo shots are also referred to as birth control shots and recognized by the Depo-Provera brand which is a known birth control method approved by Food and Drug Association or FDA. Depo-Provera has been utilized by about 22% of women in the United States based on the statistical record presented by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Depo Shots are hormone progestin injections preventing pregnancy for the three months.
These shots contain synthetic hormones referred to as progestin that essentially blocks release of eggs in the ovary which also known as ovulation. Without ovulation, it is impossible for women to become pregnant because there is no egg cell produce for the sperm. This is also the factor that makes fertilization impossible. Progestin is also responsible for thickening the cervical mucus in order to block sperm and weaken the uterus lining preventing egg implantation. Every depo shot has enough hormones to avoid pregnancy up to the period of three months.
Women will need to have prescriptions before they can get these shots. It is advisable to make a scheduled appointment with your doctor to discuss the option that best suit you. A doctor usually administers a shot during exam and beginning of menstrual period. Women need to go back to their doctor after three months for another injection. Depo shots are usually injected on the buttocks.
Depo shots offer several benefits and the top among these benefits is simplicity. You just have to get a shot preferably every 3 months and you will no longer have to worry about getting pregnant during sexual activities. As compared to other methods of birth control, depo shots offer more privacy to women. Despite the many benefits, there are also some Depo shots side effects that have been recorded.
Top 10 Side Effects for the Depo Shot
These side effects are as follows:
1. Nervousness
2. Headaches
3. Irregular periods or no menstrual period at all
4. Depression
5. Acne
6. Dizziness
7. Change in appetite
8. Hair loss
9. Weight gain
10. Excessive growth of body and facial hair
Depo shots may also cause severe bone loss and the risk increases as women get these shots for longer period of time. There might also be the possibility that bone less becomes permanent even you decide to stop taking the injection. Most of the Depo shots side effects are not really common. A shift in the menstrual period is said to be the most common effects of these shots.
Top 4 Long Usage Disadvantages of the Depo Shot
Long usage of Depo shots may also trigger loss of bone mineral density and might increase the risk for osteoporosis. Using depo shots are also linked to the following disadvantages:
1. Unwanted effects
2. Irregular menstrual periods
3. Inconvenient doctor’s visit
4. Obliged to frequently visit your doctor every after three months
The Depo shots do not actually give women ultimate protection against STD or Sexually Transmitted Disease. If you wish to get injections, you first have to be aware of the Depo shots side effects. This is recommended if all other methods no longer work for you. Other Depo shots side effects that some women experience include bleeding, a shift in sex drive, sore breasts and nausea.
