Birth Control Shot: Depo-Provera Side Effects & Weight

Depo-Provera side effects often include weight gain and delayed fertility return, requiring structured strategies to manage health during and after the shot.

vaccination: medical giving injection

Side Effects of Missing Your Contraceptive Injection

The contraceptive injection, or Depo-Provera, contains three months worth of hormones—a synthetic form of progestin, called depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). To get an injection, you need to see your doctor every 11 to 13 weeks. If you miss an injection make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.

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How to Get Pregnant After the Depo Shot

Depo-Provera is the only injectable contraceptive approved for use in the United States, according to the Mayo Clinic. It contains a high dose of progestin, a synthetic form of progesterone. After receiving the shot, a woman should not become pregnant for up to three months.

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Bad Side Effects of Depo-Provera

Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) is an injectible form of birth control for women that prevents pregnancy by stopping the ovaries from releasing eggs. This medication is a man-made (synthetic) hormone that is similar to the naturally-occurring hormone called progesterone.

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Stepping on scales

How to Lose Weight While on the Depo Shot

Many women who take Depo Provera experience weight gain, according to Virginia Commonwealth University. Since this contraceptive only contains progesterone, which can increase your appetite, you may eat more than usual and then extra pounds can sneak up on you.

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