First, consider what you want to do and what suits your lifestyle for now — you may be young and single, with a partner, had a child, spacing your family or have completed your family and want to use contraception up to the menopause. Remember to protect yourself against sexually transmitted diseases — if in doubt, use a condom. What you need to know about depo provera
The most common injectable hormonal contraceptive is Depo-Provera, a synthetic hormonal substance also known as DMPA (depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate) that is injected into the muscle in the upper arm or buttocks every three months.
Another, shorter-acting injectable hormone, norethdrone enanthate, is injected at a higher dose every two months.
Injectable hormones prevent pregnancy by suppressing ovulation; by making it more difficult for the sperm to swim through the cervical mucus; and by destroying the endometrial lining of the uterus, keeping fertilised eggs from implanting.
DMPA is a safe and highly effective contraceptive.
The success rate for women using DMPA is 99.7 percent.
It reduces menstrual cramps, iron-deficiency anaemia, and the risk for endometrial cancer.
A disadvantage of DMPA is that it requires visits to the doctor or other health care professional every 3 months.
Its side effects include:
l Abdominal discomfort
l Dizziness
l Hair loss
l Headaches
l Irregular bleeding
l Loss of bone density
l Mood changes
l Nervousness
l Weakness or fatigue
l Weight gain

NB: Always discuss with your doctor about the best contraception available for you before shifting from one method to another. —
Source: net doctor