Woman, 32, Lost Teeth After Common Contraceptive Injection

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A Woman’s Struggle with Dental Health After Long-Term Use of the Depo-Provera Injection

Alexandra Hale, a 32-year-old veterinary care assistant from Manchester, has shared her harrowing experience of losing nearly all her teeth after being on the Depo-Provera contraceptive injection for over four years. Her story serves as a cautionary tale about the potential long-term side effects of the medication and the importance of regular health reviews.

Hale was first prescribed the three-monthly Depo jab in 2015 to manage severe menstrual pain that had plagued her since she started her periods at age 13. She described the pain as so intense that it often left her unable to get out of bed for two days each month. The heavy and prolonged periods made it difficult for her to attend school or college consistently.

At the time, her colleagues suggested using contraceptive implants, pills, or jabs to manage the pain. Hale opted for the Depo injection because she found swallowing pills difficult and was not interested in an implant. Initially, the treatment worked well—her period pain disappeared, and she felt fine for several years.

However, in 2019, she began experiencing severe tooth pain that disrupted her sleep. Despite maintaining good dental hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, her molars started breaking and needed extraction. By 2022, she had lost all but one molar, which significantly impacted her confidence and social interactions. She now avoids laughing openly in public and feels self-conscious about her appearance.

Hale discovered online that others had reported similar issues, including migraines and tooth loss, while using the Depo injection. This led her to consult another GP who confirmed that these side effects could occur. She then switched to the contraceptive implant and stopped using Depo. While her teeth have not worsened since discontinuing the injection, she is currently fundraising £15,000 for full dental implants, as her remaining teeth are too damaged to save.

She expressed frustration that she was never informed about the risks associated with long-term use of Depo. Although she had routine check-ups with a nurse, there were no comprehensive reviews with a GP, and she was not made aware of the potential impact on bone density. Hale emphasized the need for individuals to be proactive about their health and to regularly review their medical treatments with healthcare professionals.

Dr. Helen Westwood from Timperley Health Centre, where Hale now receives care, confirmed that the Depo injection can lead to a loss of bone mineral density, which may affect dental health. She also noted that NICE guidelines recommend reviewing the risks and benefits of the medication every two years.

Hale’s experience highlights the importance of awareness and communication between patients and healthcare providers. She hopes her story will encourage others to ask questions, stay informed, and seek regular health assessments, especially when using long-term medications.

Key Takeaways from Alexandra Hale’s Experience

• Depo-Provera is a progestogen-only injectable contraceptive used to manage menstrual pain.
• Long-term use of the medication can lead to a small loss of bone-mineral density, which may affect dental health.
• Regular health reviews with a GP are essential to monitor the risks and benefits of long-term medication use.
• Dental hygiene alone may not prevent all complications, especially when underlying health conditions are involved.
• Awareness and proactive communication with healthcare providers can help avoid serious side effects.

Hale’s case underscores the need for greater transparency and education around the potential side effects of long-term contraceptive use. Her journey serves as a reminder that even widely used medications can have hidden risks, and patients must remain vigilant about their health choices.