Overview

The shot is used to prevent pregnancy. The shot needs to be given by a healthcare provider every 12 to 13 weeks. You get the shot in your hip. The shot gives you a dose of the hormone progestin. The shot is often called by its brand name, Depo-Provera, or sometimes called the "birth control injection."

The shot provides birth control for 3 months at a time. You then need another shot.

How can you care for yourself at home?

How do you use the birth control shot?

• If you get the shot within the first 5 days of starting your normal period, it takes 24 hours to become effective.
• If you get the shot more than 5 days after your period starts, use backup birth control, such as a condom, or don't have vaginal intercourse for 7 days.
• Talk to your healthcare provider about a schedule to get the shot. You need the shot every 3 months. If you are late getting it, you'll need backup birth control.

What if you miss or are late for a shot?

If your last shot was 13 to 14 weeks ago, you should still be protected from pregnancy. You need to have your shot right away and before 14 weeks have passed.
If your last shot was over 14 weeks ago:

• Use backup birth control, such as a condom, or don't have vaginal intercourse. Continue using one of these methods until 7 days after you get the missed or late shot.
• If you had vaginal intercourse and you don't want to get pregnant, you can use emergency contraception. The most effective emergency contraception is an IUD (inserted by a healthcare provider). You can also get emergency contraceptive pills. You can get them with a prescription from your healthcare provider or without a prescription at most drugstores or sexual health clinics.

What else do you need to know?

• The shot can have side effects.
  • You may have changes in your period and your period may stop. You may also have spotting or bleeding between periods.
  • You may have mood changes, less interest in sex, or weight gain.
  • The shot can also cause acne, nausea, tender breasts, or headaches.
• The shot may cause bone loss. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of using the shot, and how to prevent bone loss.
• Check with your healthcare provider before you use any other medicines, including over-the-counter medicines and natural health products. Birth control hormones may not work as well to prevent pregnancy when combined with other medicines.
• The shot doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia or syphilis. A condom can be used to reduce your risk of getting an STI.
• If you want to get pregnant, it may take up to a year after you stop getting the shot. This is because the hormones the shot provided have to leave your system, and your body has to readjust. After people stop using the shot, about 50% will be pregnant at 1 year if no birth control is used with vaginal sex. Fertility returns to normal within 2 years. Some people can get pregnant as soon as they stop getting the shot.