What are the disadvantages of Depo-Provera?
In common with other progestogen only contraception, there may be irregular bleeding.
- Occasionally periods may be absent.
- Weight gain of up to 2Kg (4lbs) can occur.
- It may take several months for the menstrual cycle to return to normal when injections are discontinued.
- It is possible that if used long term there may be reduced oestrogen levels perhaps leading to reduced bone density and less protection for the heart.
- If periods are absent and oestrogen levels are found to be low, it is acceptable to provide HRT thus providing contraception and adequate oestrogen levels.
When used for a year or so the benefits seem to outweigh the disadvantage of menstrual disturbance.
Related Medical Abstracts - Click on the paper title:-
Please click on the required question.
- 1 What types of hormone contraceptives are available?
- 2 How effective are hormonal contraceptives?
- 3 How do hormone contraceptives work?
Progestogen-only pills
- 4 What is a progestogen-only pill?
- 5 How do progestogen-only pills provide contraception?
- 6 How does the progestogen-only pill compare to the combined oral contraceptive pill?
- 7 When are POPs recommended in preference to COPs?
- 8 How effective are progestogen-only pills?
- 9 When should POPs be started and how quickly are they are effective?
- 10 When should progestogen-only pills be taken?
- 11 What should be done if a POP is missed?
- 12 What will happen to my periods whilst I am taking progestogen-only pills?
- 13 What should be done if my periods stop when I am taking the progestogen-only pill?
- 14 What should be done if vomiting occurs?
- 15 Should additional precautions be used during a course of antibiotics?
- 16 Can POPs cause ovarian cysts?
- 17 Should the POP be discontinued before I have an operation?
Long-acting hormonal contraception.?
- 18 What are long-acting hormonal contraceptives?
- 19 Depo-Provera What is Depo-Provera?
- 20 What are the advantages of Depo-Provera?
- 21 I have recently had a Depo-Provera injection and now I need to have an operation. Will the operation be delayed?
- 22 What are the disadvantages of Depo-Provera?
- 23 Will my fertility return three months after my last Depo-Provera injection?
- 24 Do long-acting hormonal contraceptives increase the risk of cancer?
- 25 What are contraceptive implants?
Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System - LNG-IUS - Mirena
- 26 Mirena: What is the Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System (LNG-IUS)
- 27 How does the Mirena work?
- 28 How effective is the Mirena as a method of family planning?
- 29 How would a Mirena effect my long-term fertility?
- 30 How long has the Mirena been in use?
- 31 How is the Mirena introduced into the womb?
- 32 How quickly will a Mirena work?
- 33 What problems can occur with the Mirena?
- 34 How frequently should my Mirena be changed?
- 35 What will happen to my periods after a Mirena is introduced?
- 36 What value is Mirena in the management of period problems?
- 37 What value is Mirena for premenstrual syndrome?
- 38 What value is Mirena in Hormone Replacement Therapy?
- 39 Family Planning Support Groups.
- 40 Support Groups.
- Mini Pills
Thank you for choosing to visit us.
This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.
I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.













