Reversible Long-Term Methods of Birth Control

Depo-Provera

Depo-Provera is an injection of the hormone progestin. It is given every 3 months and is a very good option for women who cannot remember to take a pill every day. Depo-Provera is a safe form of contraception for women who should not use estrogen-containing forms of birth control.

Depo-Provera works by:

  1. Preventing ovulation, or the release of an egg from the ovary
  2. Thickening the mucous of the cervix to block sperm from entering the cervix and the uterus
  3. Thinning the lining of the uterus

What are the advantages of Depo-Provera?

  • Injections are given every three months, so you only have to think about birth control four times a year
  • Depo-Provera is also indicated in the treatment of abnormal bleeding. Most women experience a substantial decrease in the amount of menstrual blood flow.

 What are side effects from using Depo-Provera?

  1. Weight gain—this is by far the most common side effect that women have heard about and we are asked about. Studies of Depo-Provera have shown that some women have a modest weight gain of an average of five pounds in the first year and 8 pounds by the end of two years. HOWEVER, remember that weight gain will be directly proportional to the amount of food you eat!
  2. Bone loss—long-term studies have shown that Depo-Provera can increase bone loss if used for longer than two years. This stops and reverses once the Depo-Provera is stopped. You can discuss this further with your provider at your appointment if you have used Depo-Provera for that period of time.
  3. Irregular bleeding—it is not uncommon for women who begin using Depo-Provera to have irregular bleeding. This varies based on the individual and may be as mild as dark brown spotting or as heavy as a regular period with the passage of clots. This can persist for several months after starting the shots. Most women notice that their symptoms resolve after 3-6 months, and it is not uncommon to have significantly lighter or absent periods.
  4. Breast tenderness

 Depo-Provera does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. You must also use a condom for prevention of STDs.

For more information, you can go to: http://www.depoprovera.com

Implanon

Implanon is an implantable contraceptive device that is placed under the skin in the arm. It is flexible plastic and is the size of a matchstick. It is so small that it is typically not noticeable. Implanon stays in for 3 years and another can be placed when the Implanon is removed. Implanon is a safe form of contraception for women who should not use estrogen-containing forms of birth control.

Implanon secretes a form of progesterone and works to prevent pregnancy by:

  1. Preventing ovulation, or the release of an egg from the ovary
  2. Thickening the mucous of the cervix to block sperm from entering the cervix and the uterus
  3. Thinning the lining of the uterus

What are side effects from using Implanon?

A change in menstrual periods is the most common side effect. The amount and kind of bleeding varies based on the individual and may be as mild as dark brown spotting or as heavy as a regular period. You may notice that the time between periods may vary and you may have some breakthrough bleeding.

For more information, please go to: www.implanon-usa.com

Mirena

Mirena is an IUD, or intrauterine device, that provides long-term birth control for five years. It is a small device that is placed in the uterus in our office. Mirena is a safe form of contraception for women who should not use estrogen-containing forms of birth control.

Mirena releases a hormone called progestin into the uterus and works by several methods:

  • Preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg
  • Thickening the cervical mucus so that sperm can’t enter the uterus
  • Thinning the uterine lining so that it is difficult for a fertilized egg to successfully implant in the uterus

What should I expect at the time of placement?

Placing Mirena typically only takes a few minutes. You may experience uterine cramping, bleeding, or dizziness during or after placement.

What can I expect after placement?

The most common thing is a change in your periods. Because Mirena is also approved by the FDA for the treatment of heavy or irregular periods, most women see a reduction in menstrual blood flow of approximately 75%. 20% of women do not have a period at all.

It is important to understand two things prior to having a Mirena placed. First, it is not uncommon to have frequent spotting, light bleeding, or heavy bleeding similar to a period in the first 3-6 months after placement. Second, this typically resolves and improves.

What happens after Mirena is removed?

If you decide you want to attempt pregnancy, the Mirena can typically be removed in the office without difficulty. Your periods should return within 6 weeks and you should return to your baseline fertility. If you have been pleased with the Mirena, you can have your old Mirena removed and another placed.

For more information, please go to: http://www.mirena-us.com