In this Article

• Introduction to birth control
• Hormonal methods of contraception
• Oral hormones - The Pill
• Injection - Depo-Provera, Lunelle
• Patch - Ortho-Evra
• Vaginal ring-Nuvaring
• Hormonal Methods of Birth Control Index

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.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

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