Depo-Provera is a hormonal contraceptive given by injection once every three months.

Advantages include:

• It is very effective, 99.7%.

• You only have to think about birth control four times a year.

• Your menstrual periods usually go away completely, no bleeding, no cramps, no PMS.

Disadvantages include:

• Some women have a lot of spotting. This usually gets less with time. It can usually be controlled by taking low dose hormone pills.

• Weight gain is common. It may be avoided by diet and exercise.

• The ability to get pregnant is sometimes delayed for up to one year after the last shot.

• It gives no protection against sexually transmitted diseases.