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Even though I am on birth control injections, am I still ovulating?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am on Depo birth control injection, and I was prescribed Medroxyprogesterone to induce my periods. Does not that mean my body is ovulating even though I am on birth control?
Answered by Dr. Balakrishnan. R

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Balakrishnan. R is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist specializing in women’s reproductive health, pregnancy care, and childbirth management. He provides comprehensive care, including prenatal and postnatal guidance, infertility support, and routine gynecological treatments. Known for his compassionate approach, Dr. Balakrishnan ensures personalized care, focusing on the overall well-being of women and helping them make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

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Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thanks for writing in, and I understand your concern.

No, you are not ovulating. Let me explain. The progesterone hormone level is very high when on Depo birth control injection. This will suppress the normal rise in hormones, due to which your follicles will not develop. It results in no ovulation. The inner lining of the uterus is thinned out so that you do not get periods. But when you take the sudden dose of Medroxyprogesterone, the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium) alone is increased. It does not act on the ovary. When you top the Medroxyprogesterone pills, you get withdrawal bleeding. Suppression of the ovaries is on for much longer, so you do not ovulate when on Depo, and it is an excellent contraceptive.

Hope I have clarified your query. All the best.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Lekshmipriya. B
Published At October 5, 2017
Reviewed At April 3, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Balakrishnan. R is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist specializing in women’s reproductive health, pregnancy care, and childbirth management. He provides comprehensive care, including prenatal and postnatal guidance, infertility support, and routine gynecological treatments. Known for his compassionate approach, Dr. Balakrishnan ensures personalized care, focusing on the overall well-being of women and helping them make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Lekshmipriya B is an experienced Dentist with strong clinical expertise in providing comprehensive dental care. She is skilled in diagnosing and treating various oral health problems while ensuring patient comfort and satisfaction. Her areas of expertise include restorative and preventive dentistry, cosmetic dental procedures, and management of gum and tooth-related conditions to promote long-term oral health and hygiene.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Balakrishnan. R
Dr. Balakrishnan. R

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Balakrishnan. R is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist specializing in women’s reproductive health, pregnancy care, and childbirth management. He provides comprehensive care, including prenatal and postnatal guidance, infertility support, and routine gynecological treatments. Known for his compassionate approach, Dr. Balakrishnan ensures personalized care, focusing on the overall well-being of women and helping them make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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