Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (Depo-Provera generic) Review

Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (Depo-Provera generic) — 

At 32, I'm pretty sure that I don't want children.  I already take a fair amount of medication daily for my asthma, so I didn't want to use birth control pills.  I had used Depo-Provera injections successfully in the past, so that was what I chose to go with again on my last visit with the OB/GYN.

Medroxyprogesterone Acetate is the generic version of Depo-Provera and what the pharmacy has been giving me for the past year.  It is basically a derivative of progesterone, that prevents ovulation and thickens cervical mucus.  It is 99.7% effective which means it provides more pregnancy protection than pills and condoms.  It is worth noting, however, that Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Injections do not provide any protection from STDs, including HIV and HPV. 

You receive these birth control injections intramuscularly every 11-13 weeks.  The needle is rather large but, I promise you, you won't feel it if you can stand to drop your pants a bit and have the injection in your upper butt.  Some people have adverse side effects (weight gain, acne, hair growth/loss), but I haven't had any after a year of use.  This product has also been linked to loss of calcium in bones after prolonged use, but I've been eating leafy greens regularly as suggested to help prevent that condition. The doctor considered "cessation of menstrual cycle" as a negative side effect, but to me it is a huge bonus.  No periods? No cramps?  Really? WOOHOO!!!!!

I've really been happy with this birth control after using it for over a year now.  I like being able to just get the shot (usually given by my mother at my convenience in the privacy of my own house) once every 3 months and not having to worry about pills, condoms, or anything else.  As someone who reeeeeeeeeeeeeally isn't interested in having kids, I like knowing that this is 99.7% effective and I only have to think about it 4 times per year.  Recommended!