Questions in the Maternal and Child Health Forum have been answered by doctors from Henry Ford Health System.

Subject: Re: Depo-Provera
Forum: The Maternal ~ Child Health Forum
Topic Area: Pregnancy - Normal
Posted by hfhs.md.rcs on July 02, 1998 at 19:05:45:
In Reply to: Depo-Provera posted by trish on June 26, 1998 at 11:09:16:


i have been using DPMA for about 7 months now. How will it affect my fertility in the future? i mean, how long after i stop will before i get pregnant? also, how does it affect my ovulation cycle? my friend says that since the number of eggs that we produce is predetermined from birth and since DPMA prevents the eggs from ripening, then i will have menopause at an older age. is this true?

Dear Trish:
Depo-Provera (DMPA) is effective contraception when renewed every 12 weeks. After 14 weeks, patients begin to have escape ovulations.
Studies show that 5 months after the last Depo Provera injection (in other words, 2 months after you should have had the next shot), most women have resumed ovulation and normal fertility. In comparison the women who have used other methods of contraception, the pregnancy rates after 12 and 18 months are the same for DMPA users, oral contraception users, condom users, and intrauterine device users.

There have been occasional reports of women who have had long (>6 months) intervals without resuming their menstrual period after Depo Provera. Thus, if your period did not start 6 months the last injection, consultation with a gynecologist or reproductive endocrinologist would be appropriate.

The eggs in the ovaries are used up at the same rate whether you are having periods, are pregnant, or are taking medicines like DMPA. Your friend is completely wrong: you will go through menopause at whatever age your developmental clock determined years ago and there is nothing you can do to slow down that clock.

Keyword: Depo Provera

this information is provided for general purposes only and is not a formal medical consultation. If your have specific questions, please contact your primary physician.

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