TikTok Shock: What You Need to Know About Depo-Provera
Making informed decisions about your reproductive health.
A viral TikTok video has raised concerns about Depo-Provera, a commonly prescribed injectable contraceptive. The video’s creator, Morgan Roos, was surprised to learn that Depo-Provera is recommended for a maximum of two years after using it for ten years. Many of Roos’ viewers were Depo-Provera users, some for as long as seventeen years, and were unaware of this limit.
Let’s break down the Depo-Provera situation for a better understanding.
What is Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera is a brand name for medroxyprogesterone acetate, a contraceptive injection that contains the hormone progestin. It is administered as a shot in the buttocks or arm once every three months. The injection eliminates the need to take a pill every day. When used on schedule, it is 99.8% effective in preventing pregnancy.
Why Should Depo-Provera Only Be Used for Two Years?
Depo-Provera is associated with a reduction in bone mineral density. People who use Depo-Provera for a long time may develop weak and brittle bones. While this bone loss is mostly reversible upon stopping the contraceptive, some may not fully recover. This risk is highest for adolescents under 18, as their bones are still developing. The risk is higher for women over 50 years old.
Official Recommendations about Depo-Provera
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises against using Depo-Provera as a long-term birth control method for more than two years, unless other options are inadequate. The FDA warning also states that Depo-Provera might increase the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures later in life. Regularly consulting your doctor, at least every two years, is recommended.
How Does Depo-Provera Prevent Pregnancy?
Depo-Provera prevents ovulation, the release of an egg from an ovary. It also thickens your cervical mucus, preventing sperm from successfully getting to the egg. Besides contraception, some women use Depo-Provera to decrease heavy periods or combat the pain of endometriosis.
Why Would My Healthcare Provider Recommend Depo-Provera?
- You don’t want to take a birth control pill every day
- If you need or want to avoid using estrogen
- You have health problems such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, anemia, seizures, or sickle cell disease
What are the benefits of Depo-Provera?
- Very effective at preventing pregnancy
- It doesn’t require daily pill-taking
- Decreases menstrual cramps and pain
- It reduces menstrual blood flow and, in some cases, stops menstruation
- Doesn’t interfere with sexual activity
- Decreases the risk of endometrial cancer
What are the Common Side Effects of Depo-Provera?
Common side effects of Depo-Provera usually decrease or stop within the first few months. They may include:
- Acne
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Decreased sex drive
- Depression, mood changes
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Irregular periods and breakthrough bleeding
- Nervousness
- Weakness and fatigue
- Weight gain
Other Risks of Depo-Provera:
Apart from bone health, using Depo-Provera carries other potential risks. These include:
- You may have a delay in your return to fertility. After stopping Depo-Provera, it might take ten months or more before you start ovulating again. If you want to become pregnant in the next year or so, Depo-Provera might not be the best birth control method for you.
- Depo-Provera doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections. Some studies suggest that hormonal contraceptives such as Depo-Provera might increase your risk of chlamydia and HIV. Whether this association is due to the hormone or behavioral issues related to the use of reliable contraception is unknown.
Who should not use Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera isn’t recommended for the following persons:
- Adolescents under 18
- Women over 50
- Women with osteoporosis, a family history of osteoporosis, or a history of bone fractures
- Women with a history of breast cancer
- Women with unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Women with lupus
- Women with liver disease
- A history of depression
- A history of heart attack or stroke
What should I do if I am using Depo-Provera?
- Talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of Depo-Provera
- Ask your doctor to review your Depo-Provera use every two years
- Take calcium and vitamin D supplements to reduce the risk of bone mineral density loss
- Do weight-bearing exercises regularly to build and maintain strong bones
Alternatives to Depo-Provera:
If Depo-Provera isn’t the best birth control method for you, various contraceptive alternatives exist:
- Oral birth control pills
- Vaginal rings
- Intrauterine devices (IUD)
- Barrier methods (condoms)
Remember, barrier methods such as condoms are the only ones that protect against sexually transmitted infections.
The Bottom Line
Depo-Provera is an effective contraceptive method, but it’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with long-term use. Understanding the complexities of Depo-Provera is crucial for users. Roos’s revelation sparks a need for awareness, regular check-ins with healthcare providers, and considering alternative contraceptives. The key is informed decision-making to ensure both overall and reproductive health.
Thanks for reading my article!
I’m a pharmacist turned health and wellness writer. I simplify medical jargon into easy-to-understand and relatable content. If you’re interested in how I can help your business grow, please email me at KateByrdPharmD@gmail.com
