Lesson 3: More Advances in Birth Control

In Lesson 3 we will look at some of the more recent developments in birth control. From injections to rings and patches to non-surgical sterilizations, it will be discussed here.

Depo-Provera

Believe it or not, Depo has been around for a long time. Clinical trials of Depo were begun in 1963, and it was submitted to the FDA for approval in 1970. Because of concerns about breast cancer, it was not approved. After additional testing and studies, the FDA finally approved Depo in the fall of 1992.

Depo works by introducing high amounts of progestin into a woman's body every three months. The progestin prevents ovulation, creates a hostile environment for sperm, and thins the uterine lining.

If the injections are received on schedule, Depo is 99.7% effective in preventing pregnancy.

The list of side effects is long and includes; irregular, continuous, or no periods, mood swings, depression, headaches, weight changes, nausea, breast tenderness or swelling, bloating, swelling of hands or feet, decreased libido, hair loss, hot flashes, rash, joint pain, acne, insomnia, back pain, leg cramps, abdominal cramps, fatigue, jaundice, convulsions, urinary tract infections, allergic reaction, fainting, osteoporosis, lack of return to fertility, breast or cervical cancer, blood clots, or paralysis.

You should not use Depo if you want to become pregnant within the next year, have unusual or unexplained vaginal bleeding, think you might be pregnant, a history of breast cancer, liver disease, blood clots, or stroke.

Most cons of using Depo revolve around the many possible side effects, including the lack of return to fertility, irregular bleeding, and weight gain. Some pros of using Depo include; convenience of use, cost is comparable to pill, fertility usually returns after 6 to 18 months, and is very effective.