Depo-Provera Birth Control Injection Review

I'm 31 years old, married, and not interested in having children which means that birth control is important.  After a horrific pregnancy scare a couple of months ago, I decided that I needed to switch to something with less opportunity for mistakes, errors, or whatever.  I had used Depo-Provera for a year in the past with no issue, so that was what I asked the midwife to put me on again.

Depo-Provera is an injection of progesterone that prevents ovulation and thickens cervical mucus.  It is 99.7% effective which means it is even more effective than birth control pills.  You receive the injection once every 3 months and are immediately protected from pregnancy provided you receive it within the first 5 days of your period for the first injection and within 13 weeks for each dose thereafter.  Depo-Provera can and will stop periods as soon as one month after receiving the injection. 

Side effects with Depo-Provera include irregular bleeding, loss of period, weight gain, and a loss of calcium from bones.  The midwife told me to increase my intake of calcium-rich foods like leafy greens and and dairy before injecting the medication into my butt last month.  She also warned me that my periods would cease, but as someone who has severe endometriosis, I considered that a benefit rather than a detrimental side-effect.  It should also be noted that this birth control injection does not protect the user from HIV and other STDs. 

As I mentioned earlier, I've used Depo-Provera in the past and am happy to be using it again.  I like that I only have to deal with injections four times a year for the low, low price of my $5 insurance copay.  I haven't had any side effects (either time) with this medication and am happy to report that it stopped my period just one month after receiving the injection.  You can even sign up on the Depo-Provera web site to receive an email reminding you when you are due for your next injection.   Recommended!