Depo Provera injection — or the jab

Depo Provera contains a hormone called progestogen. This hormone prevents pregnancy by stopping the release of an egg from your ovaries. It also affects the lining of your uterus — making it thinner over time.

Typically, the injection is 97% effective at preventing pregnancy. That means 3 out of every 100 people who have the injection will become hapū every year.

The injection can be more than 99% effective if it is always given on time — once every 13 weeks. If it’s used perfectly, 1 out of every 100 people who get the injection will get become hapū each year.

The injection is effective for at least 13 weeks after you last get it. If you get your jab on time — once every 13 weeks — it will be effective contraception for as long as you keep getting the injection on time.

If you come in to get your jab, and it’s been more than 13 weeks since your last injection, it’s a really good idea to let us know.  If It’s more than 14 weeks since your last dose, you may not be protected from pregnancy.

Depo Provera is usually injected into the buttock — but can be given in the upper arm if you prefer.

The best time to get your first injection is in the first five days of your period — this way you’ll be protected from pregnancy straight away.

If you get the injection at any other time, you will need to use condoms or not have sex for the first 7 days after getting it. If you are at risk of pregnancy at the time of the appointment, we can talk to you about it, — and even provide emergency contraception, if you need it. If you want to, we can usually still start you on Depo Provera even if there is a risk of pregnancy.

You need to get a jab every 13 weeks to be protected from pregnancy.

Advantages?

• Convenient
• Lasts for 13 weeks
• No daily pill taking
• Doesn’t get in the way of sex
• No one else needs to know you’re using it
• Reduces the risk of endometrial cancer — cancer of the uterus’ lining — by 80%
• Helps if you have heavy or painful periods
• Useful if you can’t take the combined pill

Disadvantages?

• Doesn’t protect you from STIs
• It lasts at least 13 weeks after your injection — which is annoying if you get side effects
• Can cause irregular bleeding, no periods, or occasional heavy bleeding. Irregular periods are more common when you first start using Depo Provera
• Periods and fertility take an average of 6 months to return after stopping the injection
• Sometimes associated with weight gain
• It may cause a slight decrease in bone density — this is usually improves once you stop using Depo Provera

Depo Provera is safe for most people — even people that can’t use the combined contraceptive pill can often use Depo Provera.

You shouldn’t use Depo Provera if you:

• Have had breast cancer
• If you’re planning a pregnancy in the next few months, it’s best not to use Depo Provera
• If you are over 50 it is better to use another type of contraception. You can discuss this with one of our doctors or nurses

Allergic reactions to the jab are possible — but they are very rare.

Studies show that Depo Provera doesn’t cause any change in your weight, mood, sex drive, or give you headaches.

Bone Density

Depo Provera has been associated with a small reduction in bone density — but this usually improves if you stop Depo Provera.

Cancer

Depo Provera reduces your risk of endometrial cancer by 80%. There is no overall change in the rate of cancer of the cervix, ovaries, or breasts.

Usually, your first appointment will be with one of our nurses — it should take about 20 minutes. Your nurse will ask about:

• Your medical history
• Sex
• Current contraception

The nurse will also check your:

• Height
• Weight
• Blood pressure

Most of the time, the nurse will give you your injection at your first visit. You can have the injection while you’re standing up or lying down — whatever is comfy and easy for you. The injection shouldn’t hurt too much, but it may sting a little.

After you get your appointment, you need to relax in the clinic waiting room for 20 minutes — so we can check for any signs of an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions are very rare, but we still want to be sure you’re okay before you carry on with your day.

It’s a good idea to book your next appointment in advance, to make sure you don’t miss an injection.

If there was a risk of pregnancy at the time of the injection, we will give you a pregnancy test to do at home in 1 month.

The injection doesn’t protect you from STIs. The best way to protect yourself from STIs is to use condoms, lube, and oral dams when you have sex. 

It can take six months to a year — after your last Depo Provera injection — for your fertility to return to normal.

If you’re planning a pregnancy soon, it’s best not to use Depo Provera.

If you become hapū while using Depo Provera, and you decide to continue with your pregnancy, there will be no extra risk to your pēpi.

Make an appointment with us — we can help you work out if Depo Provera is the best contraception type for you.

If you decide to get the injection, our trained medical professionals can give you your jab.

We are sexual wellness experts — our medical professionals are trained and practiced at giving Depo Provera injections. 
 
Anyone can visit our clinics. If you want to talk to us, we want to talk to you. 

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