Depo-Provera
When Depo Provera was approved for use in the U.S. in 1992, preliminary research indicated that women who used Depo Provera experienced a loss of bone mineral density (BMD), which might put them at higher risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures later in life.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Evita Almassi, [email protected] or (202) 682-6240
Is Depo-Provera safe? According to the WHO, the answer just changed from “Absolutely!” to “Well, for most people, but not for all.” This is because studies have found a small but statistically significant correlation between using Depo-Provera and contracting HIV.
Depo-Provera is a progesterone-based contraceptive shot injected into the arm, upper thigh or abdomen. It is 97-99.7% effective in preventing pregnancy. Each shot lasts for about 13 weeks.
The National Women’s Health Network believes that everyone should have access to safe and effective contraception. If you have been experiencing severe pain, please report this to your doctor immediately.
For decades, women’s health advocates have been concerned about the safety of Depo-Provera, the progesterone-based contraceptive shot (the shot).
Here in the U.S., we aren’t very good at talking about contraception. In fact, we’re usually down-right terrible at it! Recent conservative attacks have focused public attention on how universally accepted contraceptive use is in this country, which may make it a little easier for us to talk about. But, these attacks have serious downsides for the contraceptive conversation, too.