There are various effective methods for birth control. And Birth Control Shots is one of them. A Birth control shot is an injection of a hormone that prevents pregnancy. It’s a safe, convenient and effective method. Each shot works for three months, which is it prevents pregnancy for three months. Birth control shot is also famous with the brand name Depo-Provera and also with the name of medicine that it contains that is DMPA. It’s easy to have it with the help of a doctor’s prescription.
Mechanism:
All methods of birth control involve the hormones. Hormones control the work mechanism of our bodies. In birth control shot, the hormone that is involved is Progestin. Birth control shot-the injection-releases Progestin in the body. Progestin does three important things:
- stops ovulation
- thickens cervical mucus
- makes uterine lining thinner
Ovulation is the process through which eggs are formed in female body. The progestin in the birth control shot stops the ovaries from making the eggs. Obviously, pregnancy won’t take place if no egg will be available to the sperm for fertilization. Also, progestin thickens the cervical mucus. This thick cervical mucus blocks the sperm and does not allow it to find it’s way to the egg. Further more, the progestin makes the uterine lining thinner, thus preventing fertilized egg from getting attached to the uterine wall. The fertilized egg will not survive if it will not be able to find nutrition.
Effectiveness:
Every woman is concerned about the fact if the method she is adopting for birth control is effective or not. The birth control shot is considered to be the best among all birth control methods but it works the best way when regularity is carried out by a woman in having it. A woman should have birth control shot after every 12 weeks because it works for three months. According to the research and survey reports the ratio of woman who get pregnant even after the use of birth control shot is very low. There is ratio of 1 out of 100 women per year getting pregnant if they use birth control shot on regular basis. For those who do not have birth control shot as directed, the ratio is 6 out of 100 women per year. However, as far as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are concerned, birth shot control do not save against them. However, they serve the only purpose of preventing the pregnancy to occur.
Intervals To Have Birth Control Shot:
If the shot has been taken within the first seven days of the menstrual cycle, then the woman will be immediately and completely saved from having pregnancy. In case of miscarriage or abortion, the woman needs to have it within five days to protect herself. In case of birth of a child, three weeks is the appropriate time span to have the shots in order to avoid the pregnancy immediately. Regularity is the key for the success of this method, which is after every 12 weeks. If a woman gets late for two to three weeks, then she needs to visit her doctor. The doctor may ask for a pregnancy test or to use emergency contraceptive pills if the woman had vaginal intercourse in the previous 5 days. However, visiting a doctor is highly recommended if regularity is not being adopted by the woman in having this shot after every 12 weeks.
Sensitive Cases:
Cases in which birth control shot should be avoided:
There are a few cases in which doctors advise to control birth shots. Taking these shots in such cases involve risk. These are as follows:
a) if the woman is on aminoglutethamide to treat Cushing’s syndrome
b) in case if woman has breast cancer
c) if the woman is pregnant
d) if she has bone fractures
In all above mentioned cases, the woman should visit the doctor to have the advice regarding birth control method to be adopted.
Side Effects of Birth Control Shot:
Usually, the method of birth control shot suits to every woman and women get readily adapted to this method. But there are a few disadvantages of using these methods which are listed below:
- irregular bleeding in first 6 or 12 months of the use
- Menstruations become less and lighter. Sometimes, half of the woman who use this method do not have menstruation at all after one year.
- Sometimes, longer and heavier periods are being observed
- Some observe increased spotting and lighter bleeding
- Change in sex urge
- Change in appetite
- Weight gain
- Headache
- Nausea
- Hair loss
- Tender breasts
- Depression
- Increased hair over face and body
- Bones get thinner
There is no outcome to avoid these side effects; however if these side effects bother much, then the woman needs to visit doctor on immediate basis.
Serious Problems:
Some serious problems also occur if the woman finds any of these signs.
a) A lump in your breast
b) If the body point where she has been given the shot develops puss and there is pain for many days
c) Heavy and prolonged vaginal bleeding
d) If the skin or eyes start turning yellow
e) Strong depression
f) Migraine with aura; that is the woman sees bright flashing zigzags following a severe headache
On finding any of these signs, the woman should readily visit her doctor. Researches have also shown that usually pregnancy does not occur on having birth control shot; but in case if it occurs it is usually Ectopic pregnancy which is life threatening.
Birth Control Shot is an effective method to avoid pregnancy. There are very rare chances of having a pregnancy if the shot is taken on regular basis. It is convenient and reliable method. However, like other birth control methods, it also has side effects. On having any side effect , the doctor should be consulted immediately in order to avoid further health issues.
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