Medications available on the market with names that begin with the prefix “Depo-,” means they are administered via a depot injection that deposits the drug into localized tissue from which it is gradually absorbed by surrounding tissue. It can be injected into a person’s vein, muscle, skin, or bone. Here, this article will discuss what Depo Provera is, how depo-provera is administered and What happens if Depo-Provera is injected wrong. 

What is Depo-Provera?

Depo Provera is a contraceptive injection which contains progestogen. It’s used to prevent pregnancy by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg each month and also causes changes to the lining of the uterus (endometrium). It’s administrated or given every 13 weeks. Depo Provera is almost 97% effective if you have your injections on time (every 13 weeks) and can even be more than 99% effective.  Some people call depo provera “the injection”, “the jab” or “DP”.

How to Inject Depo-Provera

1. This medication is injected into a muscle (upper arm or buttock) as directed by your doctor, 
2. A healthcare provider usually gives you the injections once every 3 months. 
3. The first injection is given during the first 5 days of your menstrual period to ensure that you don’t get pregnant. 
4. The recommended dose is 150 mg of Depo-Provera CI every 3 months (13 weeks) 

What happens if Depo-Provera is injected wrong

Though the injection has 97% effectiveness, studies have shown when Depo-Provera is injected wrongly, it can fail to provide contraception, resulting in unwanted pregnancy or your risk of getting pregnant increases. This is because the amount of the medication needed to prevent ovulation is lacking,due to the wrongly injected amount. This causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining and  makes it harder for sperm to reach the uterus. When this happens it leaves uterus window open for pregnancy to occur.

Advantages of Depo-Provera

• When get your injection on time, your chance of pregnancy is very low.
• Less to worry about before or after you have sex.
• You won’t be taking daily pills, just once every 12-13 weeks/3 months.
• This is a better method than birth control with estrogen in it.
• Nursing mothers can also use this injection when breastfeeding.
• You may not bleed as much during your period, or you may stop getting your period altogether while you are using the injection.

Side Effects of Depo-Provera 

1. Pains at the injection site may occur.
2. Nausea
3. Bloating 
4. Headache 
5. Changes in appetite
6. Weight gain
7. Tiredness 
8. Breast tenderness
9. Vaginal bleeding between periods (Spotting)

How long the Depo shot stays in your system or lasts after you stop using it ?

It’s a little bit different for everyone because of different body systems. It can take few  months for it to wear off. For some people it can take up to 10 months for their ability to get pregnant to return to normal and for others it can happen much sooner.

However, the length of time you use the shot for has no effect on how long the hormones in your shot take to leave your system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the injection of Depo Provera can help you prevent unwanted pregnancies but at the same be harmful to your health. When you take Depo Provera, you can have serious effects including bone pains, pelvic pain, dark urine, persistent nausea and may even increase your risk of breast cancer. 

Consult for more details and tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of the above side effects.