Depo Shot (Depo-Provera)
- Progestin Birth Control Shot
- Received once every three months
How it works
- Progestin prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation
- Visit your provider every three months to receive the shot
- Shot is administered in either your arm or your buttocks
- If you get your first shot within the first 7 days after the start of your period, you’re protected from pregnancy right away.
- If you get it at any other time in your cycle, you need to use another form of birth control (like a condom) for the first week after getting the shot.
Advantages
- Private - no physical indication of birth control method used
- When received on time, every time, the shot is over 99% effective in preventing unplanned pregnancy
Disadvantages
- Requires more maintenance than an IUD or hormonal implant
- If you miss a shot, the effectiveness of the shot decreases
- Does not protect against STDs or HIV
- Might cause weight gain