Why it's done

Depo-Provera is used to prevent pregnancy and manage medical conditions related to your menstrual cycle. Your health care provider might recommend Depo-Provera if:

• You don't want to take a birth control pill every day
• You want or need to avoid using estrogen
• You have health problems such as anemia, seizures, sickle cell disease, endometriosis or uterine fibroids

Among various benefits, Depo-Provera:

• Doesn't require daily action
• Eliminates the need to interrupt sex for contraception
• Decreases menstrual cramps and pain
• Lessens menstrual blood flow, and in some cases stops menstruation
• Decreases the risk of endometrial cancer

Depo-Provera isn't appropriate for everyone, however. Your health care provider might discourage use of Depo-Provera if you have:

• Unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Breast cancer
• Liver disease
• Sensitivity to any component of Depo-Provera
• Risk factors for osteoporosis
• A history of depression
• A history of heart attack or stroke

In addition, tell your health care provider if you have diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure or a history of heart disease or stroke, and unexplained vaginal bleeding.