Injectable progestin contraceptives (e.g., Depo-Provera or DMPA), do not contain
an estrogen, so they do not increase the risk of the adverse cardiovascular problems
experienced by some combined oral contraceptives COCs, patch and ring users.
They also decrease the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), provide privacy
since their use cannot be detected, and may cause amenorrhea (the cessation of
menses) that some women consider to be desirable. One significant drawback of
Depo-Provera is unpredictable vaginal bleeding and spotting, and 40% to 50% of
users experience amenorrhea after one year of use and 80% after five years of use.
The time for fertility to return to normal is often delayed for 6 to 12 months after
the last injection. Other risks include weight gain among some users and bone loss
that is reversible on discontinuation of the method. The possibility of increased susceptibility
to HIV infection among DMPA users was suspected, but a clinical trial
in eastern and southern Africa has found no substantial difference in the risk for acquiring
HIV among women using any of three common methods of contraception,
DMPA, Copper IUD, and a levonorgestrel implant.
This blog presents opinions and ideas and is intended to provide helpful general information. I am not engaged in rendering advice or services to the individual Reader. The ideas, procedures and suggestions in that are presented are not in any way a substitute for the advice and care of the reader’s own physician or other medical professional based on the reader’s own individual conditions, symptoms or concerns. If the reader needs personal medical, health, dietary, exercise or other assistance or advice the reader should consult a physician and/or other qualified health professionals. The author specifically disclaims all responsibility for any injury, damage or loss that the reader may incur as a direct or indirect consequence of following any directions or suggestions given in this blog or participating in any programs described in this blog or in the book, The Building Blocks of Health––How to Optimize Your Health with a Lifestyle Checklist (available in print or downloaded at Amazon, Apple, Barnes and Noble and elsewhere). Copyright 2021 by J. Joseph Speidel.
