Depo provera when does it take effect

The contraceptive injection also called Depo is an injection of the hormone progestogen. Progestogen is similar to the hormone produced by the ovaries. This helps to prevent sperm from entering. Depo is injected by a doctor or nurse into the arm or bottom muscle every weeks.

When Depo is first injected, or after a break, it can take up to 7 days to start working to prevent pregnancy. This depends on the timing of your menstrual cycle and if you are already using contraception. Speak with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for more information. Your doctor or nurse will provide a script which you can take to the pharmacy, who will sell you the Depo.

You will need to return to the clinic to have the Depo injected. It will be cheaper if you have a healthcare card. If you do not want to become pregnant and it is more than 14 weeks since your last injection, you can abstain from sex or use condoms until you can have your next injection.

It can take up to 7 days for Depo to start working to prevent pregnancy. During this time, you can continue to abstain from sex or use condoms. If you have unprotected sex in the time when your Depo is late or not effective, you might need emergency contraception. The injection is not known to harm a pregnancy. It is safe to continue the pregnancy or to have an abortion. Generally, the injection can be administered straight after you give birth, even if you are breastfeeding.

Speak to your doctor or nurse for more information. If you are using the internet for information, only use reliable and reputable websites, such as the ones provided above. Close menu Close. Search Search. Contraceptive Injection Depo. On this page What is the contraceptive injection Depo?

How effective is the injection? How does the injection work? How do I use the injection? Other possible side effects of Depo-Provera include:. Due to an increased risk of osteoporosis, you should limit the use of Depo-Provera to 2 years. Eat foods high in vitamin D and calcium to increase your bone density. Depo-Provera may increase your chance of having breast cancer if you begin using it before the age of Women who are breastfeeding can use Depo-Provera.

You should not use it if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or have:. Depo-Provera is effective at preventing pregnancy if you get the shots on time. The success rate can be higher than other forms of birth control, including diaphragms, condoms, and pills. Depo-Provera does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases STDs. Last Updated: September 11, This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone.

Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject. Emergency contraception is a method of preventing pregnancy if used within a short period of time after having sex. Natural family planning NFP is a form of pregnancy planning. It does not involve medicine or devices. It tracks…. An intrauterine device IUD is a form of birth control used to prevent pregnancy.

There are 2 types of…. Visit The Symptom Checker. Read More. Vasectomy: What to Expect. It might not be possible to have contraceptive injections at the moment. You may need to use another type of contraception such as condoms or the progestogen-only pill for now. If you usually do contraceptive injections yourself, you may be able to get a prescription for another 12 months.

If you're under 16 and want contraception, the doctor, nurse or pharmacist won't tell your parents or carer as long as they believe you fully understand the information you're given, and the decisions you're making. Doctors and nurses work under strict guidelines when dealing with people under They'll encourage you to consider telling your parents, but they will not make you. The only time a professional might want to tell someone else is if they believe you're at risk of harm, such as abuse.

Page last reviewed: 7 February Next review due: 7 February The contraceptive injection - Your contraception guide Secondary navigation Getting started How does the female condom work? Where to get contraception. What is emergency contraception? Where can I get emergency contraception? Emergency contraception. Things to consider Age, health, lifestyle, side effects How effective is contraception at preventing pregnancy?

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