Guide to What to Expect During the First Year of Depo Provera Use

By Dawn Stacey M.Ed, LMHC, About.com Guide

Updated November 03, 2012

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

At this point, you are probably enjoying the hassle-free nature of this birth control method. Plus, as long as you have been receiving your Depo Provera injections on time, your pregnancy protection has been uncompromised.

From this point on, you should be continuing with an exercise and diet plan to help maintain good bone health and weight.

Pfizer indicates that in clinical studies, after nine months of Depo Provera or Depo-subQ Provera 104 use, about half of women’s periods have either almost stopped or have completely stopped. For the remaining women, 57 percent reported that their periods have stopped by the end of a whole year of use. If your period has not completely stopped by the end of the first year, with continued Depo Provera use, it will most likely stop within the following months.

After a year of using Depo Provera, you will most likely need to schedule an annual gynecological exam where you can discuss with your doctor whether or not to continue with this birth control method. If you choose to stay on Depo Provera, make an appointment for your next scheduled injection.

• If you are using the original Depo Provera shot, make your appointment for your next injection within 11 to 13 weeks from your fourth one.
  
  
• If you are using the newer Depo-subQ Provera 104, your next shot should be in 12 to 14 weeks.

This will ensure that your 99.7 percent pregnancy protection rate continues.

Previous

• Before Your First Dose of Depo Provera:
• First Dose – Month’s 1 - 3
• Second Dose – Month’s 4 - 6
• Third Dose – Month’s 7 - 9
• Fourth Dose – Month’s 10 - 12
• Final Considerations

Next