Health Services
Depo-Provera |
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Effectiveness: 99%
Cost: $40.00 per injection.
A prescription from a physician is required. Depo-Provera is not covered by the student extended plan, however, it is sold on a cost recovery basis at Health Services.
How it works:
Depo-Provera is an injectable hormone (progestin) which works by preventing the development of the egg in a women’s ovaries and by changing the cervical mucous. One injection is given every 10-13 weeks ( unless specified by your physician) in the muscle of the upper arm or buttock. The first Depo-Provera injection must be given during the first 5 days of a normal menstrual period.
-Simple and highly effective against pregnancy. No day-day routine.
-Long lasting (10-13 weeks)
-Makes periods lighter: in 50% of women periods stop
-Has no estrogen side effects
-Can reduce pelvic inflammatory disease, endometrial and some cervical concerns.
-No protection against STI’s
-You may have irregular bleeding or spotting
-You may experience weight gain due to increased appetite.
-It may decrease bone density
-It requires an injection every 12 weeks (84 days). It is no longer an effective contraceptive after 13 weeks (91 days) and there is a risk of pregnancy. After 91 days between injections the doctor may require a blood test to confirm that you are not pregnant before giving the next injection.
Contact your physician immediately if any of the following symptoms occur:
Heavy bleeding Depression Weight gain Headaches
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