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A 2016 Study Looks at the Birth Control Shot

Posted On: 06-17-2016
A 2016 Study Looks at the Birth Control Shot
The birth control shot, also known as Depo Provera, is injected every three months and is between 97-99% effective in preventing pregnancy. While receiving the birth control injection eliminates the need to take a daily birth control pill, there are some risks involved, like with any medication.

According to a 2009 study conducted by researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch, 70% of women receiving the birth control shot gained weight and some women were at risk of gaining weight long-term. In the study, one quarter of the women gained weight rapidly after starting birth control injections. Because of these statistics, women who have the birth control shot have often been encouraged to eat less while on this method of birth control.

However, a recent study performed by Ohio State University for Clinical and Translational Science revealed that previous advice about eating less wasn’t necessarily the key for curbing weight gain. Instead, women who ate better foods – with more vitamins – were less likely to gain weight after getting the shot, even if they also had junk food.

The shot isn’t without other risks. It can also cause a reversible loss of bone density. For this reason, Depo Provera is not recommended for long-term use and should not be used by young women whose bones are still growing. If Depo Provera is used for two years or longer, a bone density test may be recommended by a doctor. Women on the birth control shot should increase calcium and vitamin D intake and exercise regularly.

Some women may have decreased fertility up to a year after stopping the birth control shot. The fertility loss is not permanent, however, and most women are still able to get pregnant after stopping Depo Provera injections.

Overall, choosing a method of birth control is a personal decision to be made with each woman and her doctor, while weighing all of the risks and benefits.

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