Depo-Provera is a brand name for Medroxyprogesterone acetate, an injectable female contraceptive that contains the hormone progestin. Ideally called an injection or DP, it was approved in 1992 by the Federal Drug Administration as a type of contraception (Shoup, 2012). The progesterone in the infusion is similar to that produced naturally in a woman's reproductive system. The contraceptive, once administered, leaves a deposit of medroxyprogesterone which is gradually released over 12 weeks to prevent pregnancy. And it is highly effective, long-lasting and requires little adhesion. How the Method is Used The first 150 mg dose of Depo-Provera is administered through a deep intramuscular injection into the Gluteus Maximus muscle using a Z-track method (Depo-Provera, 2018). It works the same way as the implant, as it slowly releases the hormone progesterone into the bloodstream. It is administered the first five days of the menstrual cycle for an immediate contraceptive effect; Although giving it later will require an additional method for at least seven days, but the injection is then repeated after twelve weeks, and at this time it must be given before the five days. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay After giving birth, the person can get the shot as soon as five days after giving birth if they are not breastfeeding. However, this can lead to prolonged bleeding. Therefore patients need counseling before administration of PD. However, if the interval between injections exceeds 12 weeks and five days, a pregnancy test must be performed first and, after administration, the patient must use an additional contraceptive for 14 days. Again, when a patient switches to another hormonal contraceptive, they need to work on a regimen that works for them. This means that if you are using oral pills and switching to DP, the injection must be administered within seven days of taking the last active pill. Women who are concerned about Depo-Provera need a doctor's advice about potential adverse effects that include bleeding irregularities, weight gain, bone mineral density, and delayed return to fertility. How it prevents pregnancy DP prevents conception in three significant ways. The first is by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg each month to prevent ovulation. It inhibits ovulation by lowering the level of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) and eliminating the LH surge (Hampton, 2013). Suppression of FSC causes concomitant destruction of estradiol and estrone production in the ovaries (Perry 2014). Some other processes include the thickening of natural cervical mucus; make the endometrium less receptive to the implant and be sure to limit the activity of the cilia in the fallopian tubes. Adverse effects One of the major effects of Depo-Provera is weight gain, which affects approximately 1% of patients. A woman may experience a weight gain of approximately 2.25 to 3.5 kg in the first year or two of use (PR, 2013). Weight increases with prolonged use; As a result, users should consider weight management to manage their weight. The injection also causes menstrual changes that include amenorrhea or heavy bleeding and spotting. That said, practicing nurses should keep in mind that Depo-Provera lowers estrogen levels, which leads to loss of bone mineral density. They should, therefore, maintain great caution towards adolescents and young women under the age of 21 because they may have immature bones, and reevaluatethe risks and benefits regularly. One study showed that women aged 21 to 51 who used Depo-Provera for five years had reduced bone density in the lumbar spine and femoral neck, especially those whose family has a history of osteoporosis (PR, 2013). However, when you stop using it, bone density returns to normal. Some short-term adverse effects are headache, abdominal bloating, breast tenderness, and mood changes plus decreased libido. Unique Benefits When used correctly, DP is 99% effective, meaning that fewer than one in 100 people who use the contraceptive injection get pregnant in a year (Mumuni, 2014). Again, since it lasts for several weeks, there will be no struggle to think about contraceptives every time you want to have sex. It is therefore a good method for women who easily forget to take their daily contraceptive pill. Additionally, the contraceptive injection provides limited protection against ovarian cancer and pelvic inflammatory disease because thickened mucus in the cervix can prevent bacteria from entering the uterus (Perry 2014). It is also not affected by other medications and does not interrupt sex. The injection is also a suitable choice for those who cannot use estrogen-based contraceptives such as the combined pill, patch or vaginal ring. The injection sometimes reduces heavy, painful periods and helps with premenstrual symptoms in some women. Protection from STDs Women who use Depo-Provera are at increased risk of contracting STDs. They are more likely to get chlamydia or gonorrhea in a year than those taking birth control pills or non-hormonal contraceptives. In fact, every year around 150 million cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea are reported worldwide, responsible for conditions such as infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease (PR 2013). For this reason, sexually active women with more than one sexual partner should use condoms consistently. They can also reduce the number of partners to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. The injection works by preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs, thus protecting against pregnancy. This, however, does not protect against reproductive tract infections. The injectable contraceptive decreases estrogen levels thus leading to susceptibility to vaginal and cervical infections. Women should, therefore, consider using a condom along with the contraceptive injection for dual protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Cost and where it can be obtained Most contraceptives are available in most general practices, community contraception clinics and genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics. It is easy to get the contraceptive injection as you can also get it from sexual health clinics that offer contraceptives and STI testing services. Its cost mainly depends on where you live and your health insurance. In cases where a pre-injection exam is required, there may be additional costs, which can cost approximately between $0 and $250 (Varney, 2015). The good thing is with the Affordable Care Act; you receive free birth control coverage. Contraceptive services are provided free of charge even to those without insurance coverage depending on their income and legal status in the United States. You may qualify for other programs such as Medicaid and local programs that can help pay for birth control. How to broach the topic with a new partner Take yourself.