Depo Shot (Depo-Provera)

• Progestin Birth Control Shot
• Received once every three months/90 days

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 as you need to return to your provider every 90 days
• If you miss a shot, the effectiveness of the shot decreases 
• Does not protect against STIs or HIV
• Might cause weight gain