Hormonal Methods of Birth Control (cont.)
Injected contraceptive: Depo-Provera, Lunelle
There are two methods of birth control administered by injection,
Depo-Provera and Lunelle.
Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera is medroxyprogesterone, a synthetic long-acting form of the
hormone progesterone. Depo-Provera is similar to the birth control minipill in
that it does not contain estrogen. Like other progesterone-based contraceptives,
Depo-Provera acts by preventing the release of the egg from the ovary
(ovulation) and by promoting thick cervical mucus that impedes the sperm's
progress.
Depo-Provera must be injected by a health care professional every 3 months
(12 weeks). The injection is given in the buttocks or upper arm, where it may
cause minimal soreness for a day or so. The injection must be administered
within the first five days of a woman's menstrual period. She is then
protected from pregnancy within 24 hours of receiving the injection.
A woman may stop having periods altogether after using Depo-Provera for one
year. After 2 years of use, 70% of women will have no menstrual bleeding.
Menstrual periods stop because the Depo-Provera causes the ovaries to go into a
"resting" state. When the ovaries do not release an egg every month,
the regular growth of the lining of the uterus does not occur and no uterine
lining is shed during the subsequent menstrual cycle.
A woman's menstrual periods should begin again within 6 to 18 months after
she stops taking the Depo-Provera injections. A woman can also become pregnant,
usually within 12 to 18 months, once she stops using Depo-Provera. If a new
mother does not breastfeed her baby, she can resume Depo-Provera injections
right after childbirth. Mothers who are breastfeeding can safely begin
Depo-Provera injections 6 weeks after childbirth. The injections do not reduce
the flow of her breast milk and no harmful effects on the baby have been noted.
The most common side effects of Depo-Provera injections are irregular
menstrual cycles, cessation of menstrual periods, and weight gain. Other side
effects may include nervousness, dizziness, stomach discomfort, headaches,
fatigue, or breast tenderness. It is important that a woman realize that once
she has been injected with Depo-Provera, any side effects she may experience
cannot be neutralized or eliminated. She has to tolerate these side effects
until the Depo-Provera wears off, typically 3 months later.
Depo-Provera may contribute to risk factors associated with the development
of osteoporosis by decreasing the amount of calcium stored in the body. This in
turn can increase the risk of developing thinner and weaker bones. A woman using
Depo-Provera is encouraged to be sure that she has an adequate dietary intake of
calcium. Her previous bone density is normally restored when the Depo-Provera is
discontinued.
Conversely, Depo-Provera may be possible when avoidance of estrogen is
prudent for medical reasons (see oral contraceptives). A qualified health care
provider should be able to help make the proper distinction.
Lunelle
Lunelle is the other injectable birth control option. It is a combination of
estrogen and progesterone, whereas Depo-Provera is progesterone alone. Lunelle
is administered monthly. The contraceptive protection is probably due to Lunelle's
ability to prevent ovulation, and decrease penetration of sperm due to
alterations in cervical mucus.
Side effects of Lunelle are similar to those of Depo-Provera, listed above,
except that less is known about Lunelle's effects on bone density compared to
Depo-Provera.
Both Depo-Provera and Lunelle should not be used by women who have a history
of breast cancer, blood clots, liver disease, unexplained vaginal bleeding, or
stroke. A woman on Depo-Provera should contact her health care professional if
she experiences a heavy menstrual flow, severe abdominal pain, headaches, or
depression.
Both injection contraceptives are over 99% effective if the injections are
received according to the correct schedule. A woman using either type of
injection contraceptive has the advantage of being capable of becoming pregnant
at a later time, if desired, simply by discontinuing use. The injections cost
about the same as birth control pills for a similar period of time. Depo-Provera
does not increase a woman's risk of cancer, including breast cancer, and
greatly reduces her risk of developing uterine cancer. Similar research will
likely be reported in the future for Lunelle.
Neither Depo-Provera nor Lunelle protects against sexually transmitted
infections.
Next: Patch - Ortho-Evra »
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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- Oral Contraceptives, Birth Control Pills - Source:MedicineNet
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