Advantages Of The Birth Control Shot: Side Effects Of Depo Shot

Among various birth control methods, birth control shot has gained popularity in recent times. Birth control shot is a long acting progesterone hormone injected in the body of a woman. It is also known by the brand name Depo- Provera. Birth control shot is given after every 3 months to prevent pregnancy.

The hormone progestin released after the injection prevents the release of egg from the ovaries every month. Obviously the woman cannot become pregnant in absence of ovulation. Secondly, the progestin in the shot thickens the mucus lining of the cervix.  This prevents the entry of sperm into the uterine cavity.

Symptoms Of Depo Birth Control Shot

Generally birth control shot is an effective method of contraception and the failure rate is very less. It means the chances of becoming pregnant are minimal, after taking the birth control shot. However, the chance of pregnancy may increase if you do not receive the next shot after 3 months. After receiving birth control shots, there are chances of change in menstrual cycle.

There may be irregular periods or the cycle may skip for few months.

Weight gain may be one of the symptoms which many women dislike after receiving a birth control shot. Weight gain and bloating is caused due to water retention associated with birth control shot. Often, a woman may complain of headache, depression and heaviness in breast after taking birth control shot. In some cases the injection site may swell and become red. Hair loss on the scalp and excessive growth on other parts of the body may be present after the of birth control shot.

Birth Control Shot Advantages

• It is convenient and safe. Convenient because the injection has to be taken only four times in a year.
• Failure rate is substantially less.
• If you are among those who forget pills very often, then birth control shot is a good choice.
• A woman taking birth control shots every time after three months may experience less premenstrual pain and cramps, besides less severe cycle.
• Woman may not have to worry before and after sexual intercourse.
• Women may feel more spontaneity in their sexual performance.
• Woman seeking to keep their contraception a personal and private affair may find this method safe.
• This is an effective method of contraception when estrogen is contraindicated in some patients. Estrogen is present in most contraceptive pills. It is also useful for a woman who is breastfeeding.
• Woman who is on long acting progesterone shots is less likely to suffer from ovarian and endometrial cancer. There is also less likelihood of pelvic inflammatory disease.

Side Effects Of Birth Control Shot

• A birth control shot does not protect a woman from sexually transmitted disease or HIV infection.
• The periods may be irregular with excess of bleeding at times. This may hamper a planed schedule or work.
• Weight gain is a disadvantage of birth control shot. Besides other side effects include headache, bloating, mood change etc.
• After injection of the hormone, a woman cannot stop any side effects. She has to wait for three months till the effect of the hormone is worn off.
• It may reduce the density of the skeletal mass. Patient is prone to bony pain and osteoporosis later in life, if she does not correct it with dietary food and calcium supplements.
• After discontinuing, it may take long time for the woman to become pregnant.

Source:  tandurust