Is The Birth Control Shot Bad For You?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Once a doctor or nurse gives you the depo shot, it releases a hormone called progestin into your body. Progestin stops you from getting pregnant by preventing ovulation . It also works by making your cervical mucus thicker. When your cervical mucus is thicker, the sperm can't get through.

Does birth control shot mess up your body?

Most people on the shot have some change in their periods , including bleeding more days than usual, spotting between periods, or no periods. This is most common during the first year. Other possible side effects include nausea, weight gain, headaches, sore breasts, or depression.

What are the disadvantages of the birth control shot?

  • It can cause unwanted side effects.
  • It doesn't provide protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
  • It can cause irregular menstrual periods.
  • You need to stop taking Depo-Provera® several months ahead of time if you plan on becoming pregnant.

Is the birth control shot healthy?

How Effective Is Depo-Provera? The Depo-Provera shot is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy if you get it every 3 months, as directed. But because that isn't always possible, typical effectiveness is around 94%. That means for every 100 women who get the shot, about 6 will have an accidental pregnancy.

What does Depo do to your body?

Once a doctor or nurse gives you the depo shot, it releases a hormone called progestin into your body. Progestin stops you from getting pregnant by preventing ovulation . It also works by making your cervical mucus thicker. When your cervical mucus is thicker, the sperm can't get through.

Does the 3 month injection stop periods?

As you continue to use Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection, you may skip a period or stop having periods completely . This is normal. More than half of all women who use Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection for one year have no menstrual bleeding.

What are the signs that Depo is wearing off?

The reported withdrawal symptoms included: feeling of having a viral infection with fatigue, eye pain, visual disturbance, itching, restlessness, agitation, shaking, nausea and shortness of breath . The reporter refers to internet forums where other women report the same symptoms on stopping Depo-Provera.

Can you lose weight on Depo?

Do women shed the weight after they go off the shot? Our study was the first to look at that. We found that women do lose some weight after they switch to a nonhormonal form of —an average of 3 pounds over two years.

Does Depo make your VAG dry?

Yes, some types of can cause dryness. In particular, hormonal birth control pills and shots can cause vaginal dryness in some women. Yaz, Lo Ovral, and Ortho-Cyclen birth control pills can cause dryness. The Depo-Provers shot can also lead to vaginal dryness .

What is the safest form of birth control?

Progestin-only pills (known as “minipills”) are safer for women who have a history of blood clots or have uncontrolled high blood pressure. Both types of contraception help regulate your periods, as well.

Does the birth control shot make your VAG smell?

Hormonal changes – The amount of discharge varies throughout menstrual cycles. Hormonal therapies, birth control pills and vaginal creams can have an effect the vaginal PH and odor as well .

Can you get pregnant on depo if he doesn't pull out?

Yup! The birth control shot protects you against pregnancy 24 /7, no matter how many times you have sex. But it's important to make sure you always get your shots on time. Each shot of Depo-Provera protects you from pregnancy for 12-13 weeks (3 months).

Is it normal to bleed for a month on Depo?

Irregular bleeding is normal on Depo -Provera. Around 57 percent of people who have this shot experience irregular bleeding or spotting 12 months after doing so, and 32 percent of people do at 24 months. This symptom usually improves the longer people use the medication.

Does the shot cause weight gain?

While it's true that the birth control shot (AKA Depo-Provera) can change your appetite while you use it, not everyone who gets the shot will gain weight . If you're already using the shot and you want to maintain your current weight or lose weight, diet and exercise may help.

Is the Depo shot more effective than the pill?

When combination birth control pills are taken correctly, they are up to 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. Progestin-only pills are about 95% effective. The birth control shot (Depo-Provera) also is about 99% effective in preventing pregnancy (average annual failure rate is about 3%).

What's the shot birth control?

The birth control shot is an injection given to a girl every 3 months to help prevent pregnancy . The birth control shot contains a long acting form of the hormone progestin.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.