Most commonly used method of Family planning in Kenya-Depo injection

An image displaying Depo Provera injection

Depo-Provera injection commonly referred to as Depo in Kenya is a short name for Depo medroxyprogesterone acetate, a contraceptive injection that contains 150mg of the hormone progestin.

Depo Provera injection is the most commonly used method of family planning in Kenya and in Africa at large. This is because of its convenience and also by the fact that it is 98%effective.

 Depo Provera is given as an injection every three months (an equivalence of thirteen weeks) on the muscle (intramuscularly).

It is normally given either on:

• The upper part of the arm (deltoid region)
• The thigh or
• Gluteal region (buttock)

Depo Provera injection should be given within seven days since the beginning of menses for a starter, this way it will immediately be effective.

If one receives depo while they are not on their menses, they should wait for 7-10days for it to start being effective.

For a breast feeding mother, Depo Provera should be given six weeks after delivery.

If a mother is not breastfeeding, she can receive Depo at any time after delivery.

How does Depo Provera injection prevent pregnancy?

1. Typically, Depo Provera suppresses ovulation, keeping your ovaries from releasing an egg.
2. It also thickens cervical mucus to keep the sperm from reaching the egg thus preventing fertilization from taking place and hence preventing conception/pregnancy from occurring.

Benefits of using Depo Provera  injection 

Among various benefits, Depo Provera:

• Is safe for breastfeeding mothers because it does not interfere with milk production.
• Is private as no one will know that you have it within you.

• Doesn’t require daily action unlike the pill.
• Eliminates the need to interrupt sex for contraception.
• Decreases menstrual cramps and pain.
• Lessens menstrual blood flow, and in some cases stops menstruation.
• Decreases the risk of endometrial cancer.

Disadvantages of using Depo Provera injection

• It causes bleeding irregularities eg irregular menses, heavy periods, spotting in between periods or lack of periods.
• Return to fertility after using Depo can take up to two years, however this may vary depending on an individual.
• It is irreversible in that once an individual has been injected it cannot be removed from the system.
• It causes weight changes especially weight gain.
• It may lead to a rise in blood pressure.
• Long term use can lead to bones becoming weak and brittle which can put one at a risk of getting fractures. One may also experience back ache or joint pains.
• Depo does not prevent against sexually transmitted infections

Depo Provera isn’t appropriate for everyone. Your health care provider might discourage use of Depo-Provera if you have:

• Unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Breast cancer
• Liver disease
• Heart disease
• Sensitivity to any component of Depo-Provera
• Risk factors for osteoporosis
• A history of depression
• A history of heart attack or stroke
• A history of High Blood pressure
• If you are planning to conceive soon

In addition, tell your health care provider if you have diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure or a history of heart disease or stroke, and unexplained vaginal bleeding.

Other side effects of Depo Provera that usually decrease or stop within the first few months include:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Decreased interest in sex
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Irregular periods and breakthrough bleeding
• Nervousness
• Weakness and fatigue

Consult your health care provider as soon as possible if you have the symptoms below: (we are just a click away, book an appointment with us on https://hellodaktari.co.ke as soon as possible if you have:

• Depression
• Heavy bleeding or concerns about your bleeding patterns
• Trouble breathing
• Pus, prolonged pain, redness, itching or bleeding at the injection site
• Severe lower abdominal pain
• A serious allergic reaction
• Other symptoms that concern you

NB: If one is late for a repeat injection, they may need to have a pregnancy test to ascertain that they are not pregnant before they receive their next injection. If you have any concern regarding Depo Provera or you would like medical consultation or home Based Care, reach us on our website https://hellodaktari.co.ke.