elaine asked
I have just had a contraceptive injection and told me to use condoms for 7 days. If a condom was to fail could I still use the morning after pill?
Answer
Back-up contraception (such as condoms) is recommend for at least 7 days after receiving your first Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone) injection.This is to prevent unplanned pregnancy. While most patients can receive their first shot of Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone) anytime to begin therapy, you have a risk of becoming pregnant if you first receive a shot too late in your menstrual cycle.
Studies show that ovulation (i.e. releasing of an egg) is prevented in woman who receive Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone) within the first 7 or 8 days of their cycle. However, when the shot is given after the first 7 or 8 days, ovulation can occur and therefore there is a chance you may become pregnant if you have unprotected sex. As the Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone) shot can be given anytime during your cycle, it is a general recommendation to use back-up contraception for 7 days, just in case ovulation does occur.
The prescribing information recommends a conservative approach, stating that the first shot must be given within the first 5 days of your menstrual cycle, although some sources recommend within the first 7 days. This recommendation is given because, as discussed above, getting the shot later in your cycle may not prevent against pregnancy.
It is very likely that you received your first Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone) shot later in your cycle, and thus are being directed to use back-up contraception. Nevertheless, some medical offices recommend using back-up contraception for 7 days anyway to all their patients, just to be on the safe side.
You can certainly use emergency contraception (e.g. Plan B) if needed after your first Depo-Provera injection if you have unprotected sex within the first 7 days.
