Depo Provera is a birth control technique; it uses the hormone progestin to check unwanted pregnancy. The hormone needs to be injected into the body every 11 weeks otherwise it loses its effect.

The hormone progestin prevents the ovulation process which is a must for becoming pregnant. The cervical mucus also gets thickened which reduces the chances of sperm entering into the uterus.

There are various reasons why women prefer Depo Provera.  If you have been suffering from heart diseases or have been subjected to antibiotics for quite a long time then you prefer to go for it.  A woman who has a busy schedule and often forgets taking the contraceptive pills finds it a better alternative and also there are women who are happy that their menstrual cycle has stopped also prefers to go for it.

There are side effects associated with it; it causes irregularity in periods; bleeding and spotting does not take place in a regular manner. Nausea, sore breasts, abdominal problem, weight gain, depression, nervousness, dizziness, headache bloating are other symptoms associated with it. It does not provide any protection from the sexual transmitted diseases and moreover it is often said to be the cause of breast cancer and osteoporosis.

One basic requirement for Depo Provera to be effective is that you have to take it immediately after the completion of the 11 weeks period otherwise it will not be effective.  It is costlier than the contraceptive pills available in the market but cheaper than Norplant.

The biggest advantage of it is that once you have taken it you can enjoy your sex life without the fear of pregnancy. It takes normally about 9 to 12 months for you to become pregnant once you have stopped taking it.  Always consult your doctor before taking any decision about using Depo Provera.