Depo-Provera® (Birth Control Shot)

What is Depo-Provera®?

Depo-Provera® (medroxyprogesterone acetate) is a type of birth control that comes as an injectable shot. It’s sometimes called the “Depo shot” or “birth control shot.” Your healthcare provider injects it into your arm or buttocks. There is also a version of Depo that you can inject at home on your own. Depo-Provera protects against pregnancy for up to 14 weeks — though you typically need to receive one shot every 12 weeks.

With perfect use, it can be 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. But we’re all human, and sometimes, people forget or miss their shot. So, its average effectiveness is about 96%. That means 4 in 100 users will get pregnant each year.

How does Depo-Provera work?

The Depo-Provera shot contains progestin. Progestin prevents you from ovulating (releasing an egg). Without an egg, pregnancy can’t happen. It also thickens your cervical mucus, which makes it hard for sperm to swim through your cervix.

You receive the shot every three months. Other than making sure you stick to the shot schedule, you don’t need to do anything else to prevent pregnancy.

Where can I get Depo-Provera?

This type of birth control is prescription only. In most cases, you get the injection at your healthcare provider’s office.

There is another brand of the birth control shot that you can do at home. This shot is called Depo-subQ Provera 104. This version goes into your skin, not into your muscle. The shot comes in a ready-to-use syringe. Your provider can teach you how to give yourself this shot before you start doing it on your own.

How is Depo-Provera used?

You can start Depo-Provera on any day of your menstrual cycle, as long as you aren’t pregnant. Your provider may have you take a pregnancy test before getting the shot.

You must receive another shot once every three months (12 weeks). It’s important to stick with the schedule for your shot. If you’re late or miss a shot, you can get pregnant. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best timing for your shots and the risks of missing one.

How soon does Depo-Provera work?

You’re immediately protected after receiving the first Depo shot if you get it during your menstrual period. If you get the shot at another time during your cycle, you may need to wait a week to 10 days before having intercourse without a condom to prevent pregnancy.

Can anyone use Depo-Provera?

The birth control shot may not be safe if you have:

• Unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Liver disease
• Diagnosis of breast cancer
• Lupus
• Heart disease or stroke

Talk to your healthcare provider about your complete medical history when considering this type of birth control.

Can you take Depo-Provera and breastfeed?

If you’re considering Depo-Provera while breastfeeding, talk to your healthcare provider about the risks. As a little bit of the medicine gets into your breast milk, it’s generally recommended to wait until your baby is at least 6 weeks old before starting the shots.

Are there side effects associated with Depo-Provera?

Depo-Provera can cause side effects like:

• Bloating
• Bone density loss (osteopenia)
• Depression
• Headaches and dizziness
• Irregular menstrual periods or no periods at all
• Nervousness
• Weight gain

Changes in your menstrual cycle are the most common side effect. After a year of use, about 55% of users will stop getting their periods. It’s not medically necessary to have a period every month to be healthy.

Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks of Depo based on your health history.

Does Depo-Provera cause weight gain?

Weight gain is one of the side effects of Depo-Provera. In one study, users gained about 5 pounds after one year of use. But not everyone will gain weight.

If you have concerns about gaining weight while taking birth control, talk to your healthcare provider about your options.

Can I become pregnant after I stop using Depo-Provera?

Yes, but it takes about 10 months on average to conceive after your last injection.

(Remember, you can also become pregnant if you miss a dose of the birth control shot or if you get it late.)

What are the benefits of using Depo-Provera?

Some of the advantages of the birth control shot are:

• You don’t have to remember to take it every day or use it before sex.
• It’s highly effective when you use it exactly as directed.
• It doesn’t interfere with sexual activity.

What are the disadvantages of using Depo-Provera?

Disadvantages of the shot can include:

• It may come with unwanted side effects.
• It offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• It can feel inconvenient to visit your healthcare provider every 12 weeks.
• It can cause a delay in getting pregnant once you’re off the shot.

How long can you stay on Depo-Provera?

You can stay on Depo-Provera for about two years. It can weaken your bones, which increases your risk of osteoporosis. Your healthcare provider may recommend switching to a different type of birth control or having a bone density test if you wish to keep using it after two years.