How a Contraceptive is Facing a Lawsuit in the US

 
After sharing her initial shock in the caption, she asks for help with filing her lawsuit with a closing statement on whether a brain tumor is worth the money (compensation). Is there a looming risk of brain tumors among young women? In this article, we will discuss how the Depo Provera contraceptive is destroying lives.

What is the Depo Provera Shot?

A renowned brand name for medroxyprogesterone acetate, Depo Provera is a contraceptive injection manufactured by the American multinational pharmaceutical company, Pfizer. It contains the hormone, progestin, which suppresses ovulation in a woman.

 
As a result, the ovaries are kept from releasing an egg, thereby stalling pregnancy. As per the Cleveland Clinic, the Depo Provera shot must be scheduled at regular intervals, typically for three months. The injection can prevent pregnancy for up to 14 weeks.

 
When used according to schedule, this injectable contraceptive is said to be highly effective. Despite its efficacy in preventing pregnancy, Depo Provera does not protect against sexually transmitted infections or STIs.

This birth control is different from oral contraceptives in the sense that it need not be taken daily for it to work. Being a prescription shot, Depo Provera cannot be taken unless prescribed by a healthcare provider.

What About the Depo Provera Lawsuit?

As mentioned previously, a young woman took to social media when she discovered that the birth control shot she had been relying on for two years had become a part of a major litigation. So, what is the Depo Provera lawsuit exactly about?

It has been alleged that women on this shot developed an intracranial brain tumor called meningioma. The medroxyprogesterone acetate is to be blamed, as discovered in a study conducted in France. The risk of this slow-growing benign tumor increases with a higher dose and frequency of the shot.

 
Though the tumor is benign, it is still extremely dangerous. There can be life-altering side effects in the form of blurred vision, constant headaches, and seizures. According to TruLaw, the estimated settlement amounts in this lawsuit range may vary based on individual cases, but they are likely to be substantial.

 
Under this litigation, four main themes can be detected, as follows -

Uninformed Choice

The use of contraceptives must lie within the boundaries of informed choice. This means women should be able to choose the best birth control method for themselves based on personal reproductive needs.

 
It not only calls for a complete understanding of the different options but also the implications of each. As more women open up about their Depo Provera shot story, it becomes clear that most had no idea of the implications.

Though Pfizer had shared some side effects like mood swings, sore breasts, etc., the living nightmare of meningioma was nowhere in the picture. Even the psychological impact has been extreme in terms of depression and mood changes. Can it still be called an informed choice when women remain largely uninformed?

A Lack of Body Literacy

Another finger points towards the fact that many young women were prescribed Depo Provera for issues like endometriosis, PCOS, and heavy menstrual flow. In truth, the shot does not help manage any of these problems. It may only help to reduce the symptoms a bit.

 
The reason why many choose to schedule monthly appointments is a lack of body literacy. Women are seldom taught to trust their bodies and encouraged to use ‘artificial’ means for better health. A lot of teenage girls begin using hormonal birth control when their reproductive systems have not fully matured.

 
Blind faith in the healthcare system has landed many into a Depo Provera mess. It’s time women reclaim their power by understanding how their body functions and what’s good or harmful.

Feelings of Anger, Fear, and Regret

It is natural to experience a sort of trauma upon discovering the dark side of Depo Provera. Many women shared emotional comments and videos on getting to know the risks involved. Some expressed fear regarding their chances of fertility, whereas others shared their anger for such self-inflicted pain.

 
Regret was a common emotion as young women feared for their lives and the possible risk of never being pregnant. It seems like Depo has been a nightmare women are yet to wake from. The shot may have been effective at contraception but it is clear that it’s just not worth it.

Frustration with Healthcare Providers

There has been a growing frustration against healthcare providers who fail to forewarn women about hormonal birth control side effects. Besides young women who used contraception, even alternative healthcare providers are criticizing the neglect.

 
Many accused such ignorant healthcare providers as lovers of money with little regard for human life. The doctor’s responsibility to highlight the full range of side effects was openly discussed.

What Are Young Women Doing About This News?

It’s important to mention here that despite having an American manufacturer, Depo Provera is actively used by women across the UK as a long-term contraceptive. More and more women are becoming aware of the new litigation against this birth control shot.

 
Naturally, many are stopping their use of the contraceptive and preparing themselves to experience side effects. In some cases, the complications become more visible or increase once the woman gets off the shot.

 
Social media platforms have become common grounds to express concerns and create awareness. Those with symptoms like headaches or blurry vision are sharing them with others and warning young women who may be considering their contraceptive options.

 
It is estimated that 20% of American women have used Depo Provera shots at some point in their lives. Annually, one to two million schedule their periodic shot appointments. Based on the new litigation and growing awareness, it is expected that more women would decide to stop.

 
More importantly, the need of the hour is to inform women how exactly Depo Provera works and what its implications are. In any case, it is unlikely that this contraceptive option would be considered a suitable one in the near future.