Tests and Procedures
Depo-Provera (contraceptive injection)
Why it's done
Depo-Provera is used to prevent pregnancy and manage medical conditions related to your menstrual cycle. Your health care provider might recommend Depo-Provera if:
- You don't want to take a birth control pill every day
- You want or need to avoid using estrogen
- You have health problems such as anemia, seizures, sickle cell disease, endometriosis or uterine fibroids
Among various benefits, Depo-Provera:
- Doesn't require daily action
- Eliminates the need to interrupt sex for contraception
- Decreases menstrual cramps and pain
- Lessens menstrual blood flow, and in some cases stops menstruation
- Decreases the risk of endometrial cancer
Depo-Provera isn't appropriate for everyone, however. Your health care provider might discourage use of Depo-Provera if you have:
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Breast cancer
- Liver disease
- Sensitivity to any component of Depo-Provera
- Risk factors for osteoporosis
- A history of depression
- A history of heart attack or stroke
In addition, tell your health care provider if you have diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure or a history of heart disease or stroke, and unexplained vaginal bleeding.