disadvantages
Last reviewed 01/2018
- administration by trained personnel
- once given, it cannot be reversed
- menstrual disturbance - may be irregular bleeding after first injection - while amenorrhoea is more usual after subsequent injection
- delay in return to fertility
- mean return to fertility with Depo Provera is 5.5 months
- about 60% of women conceive within 12 months of discontinuation of Depo-Provera (85% within 24 months)
- weight gain
- may be up to 2-3 kg over a year on Depo Provera (1)
- bone mineral density:
- Depo Provera use is associated with small loss; largely recovered when DMPA is stopped (1)
- bloating, dizziness, irritability, headaches
No evidence of effect of DMPA on depression, acne, headaches (1)
Reference: