Birth control shot (Depo-Provera)

Birth control shot (Depo-Provera)

The bottle that the shot method uses

The birth control shot is an injection you get in your arm, belly, thigh, or butt that keeps you from getting pregnant. Both types of birth control shots contain progestin which is the synthetic version of progesterone, a hormone made by the body. The shot prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation from happening, which means that the ovaries don’t release an egg.

You need to get the shot every 13 to 15 weeks (around three months) to prevent pregnancy. There are two ways of doing that: you can get a version of the shot that goes into your muscle at your health care provider’s office, or you can use a different version of the shot that you can give yourself at home, that gets injected just under your skin. The in-office birth control shot is called Depo-Provera (but it’s often referred to as “Depo”) and the at-home birth control shot is called Depo-subQ Provera.

Once you’ve gotten the shot, you’re set for birth control for three full months each time you get a dose—there’s nothing else you need to do during those three months to make the shot effective at preventing pregnancy.

Types of Birth control shots

Details
The birth control shot is an injection you get in your arm, belly, thigh, or butt that keeps you from getting pregnant. Both types of birth control shots contain progestin which is the synthetic version of progesterone, a hormone made by the body. The shot prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation from happening, which means that the ovaries don’t release an egg. You need to get the shot every 13 to 15 weeks (around three months) to prevent pregnancy. There are two ways of doing that: you can get a version of the shot that goes into your muscle at your health care provider’s office, or you can use a different version of the shot that you can give yourself at home, that gets injected just under your skin. The in-office birth control shot is called [Depo-Provera](/birth-control/in_office_birth_control_shot) (but it’s often referred to as “Depo”) and the at-home birth control shot is called [Depo-subQ Provera](/birth-control/at_home_birth_control_shot). Once you’ve gotten the shot, you’re set for birth control for three full months each time you get a dose—there’s nothing else you need to do during those three months to make the shot effective at preventing pregnancy.
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, if you have health insurance, [chances are good that you’ll be able to get this method with no out-of-pocket cost](http://bedsider.org/features/257). If you don’t have insurance or Medicaid, this method will cost you about $25 a month—about the same as the pill. But unlike the pill, you’ll only have to go to the clinic every three months. If you want to do even fewer clinic visits—and save on transportation and exam fees—you might want to ask your health care provider about [DIY depo](/features/192). ####Prices: * **With insurance:** [Free under most plans](/features/257) * **With Medicaid:** Free * **Without insurance:** The full price of a three-month shot can range from $50 - $120. Depending on your income, you may be able to go to [a low-cost clinic](/free_birth_control) to get the shot at reduced cost. * **Payment assistance:** Pfizer/Wyeth offers free prescriptions (through a doctor or clinic) to women earning less than $21,660 a year. Call 1-866-706-2400 or check out www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com.

There's not really much you have to do in order to use the shot—just make sure to keep regular appointments with your health care provider. You just go to the clinic, have an exam, and get an injection. Every three months, you'll go in for another injection. Easy-breezy.

Make sure to discuss the timing of your period and the shot with your provider, because that'll help determine how soon after the shot you'll be protected. Also, it's really important to get your shots on time. If you're more than two weeks late for an injection, you may have to get a pregnancy test before the shot. [Download our reminders app](/reminders_app) to help you remember to always get your shot on time. ####Tips and tricks Spotting improves with time. So give it a chance—two or three cycles. (That's 6-9 months in Depo time.)

There are positive and negative things to say about each and every method. And everyone's different—so what you experience may not be the same as what your friend experiences.

The Positive

Positive “side effects”? You bet. There are actually lots of things about birth control that are good for your body as well as your sex life.* Easy to use * Doesn't interrupt the heat of the moment * Super private—no one will know unless you tell them * You don't have to worry about remembering to take it every day * Might give you shorter, lighter periods—or no periods at all * Your birth control is taken care of for 3 months at a time * Can be used by women who can't take estrogen * It's very effective at preventing pregnancy—if you get the shots on time * You can use it while you're breastfeeding

The Negative

Everyone worries about negative side effects, but for many women, they're not a problem. Remember, you're introducing hormones into your body, so it can take a few months to adjust. Give it time.#####The most common complaints: * Irregular bleeding, especially for the first 6-12 months (This could mean longer, heavier periods, or spotting in between periods.) * Change in appetite or weight gain (It's common for some women to gain around 5 pounds in the first year, while other women gain nothing.) #####Less common side effects: * A change in your sex drive * Depression * Hair loss or more hair on your face or body * Nervousness or dizziness * Headache * Nausea * Sore breasts There's no way to stop the side effects of Depo—it's not like you can go back in time and not get the shot. If you still feel uncomfortable after the course of at least two shots in a row, switch methods and stay protected. You're worth it. *For a very small number of women there are risks of serious side effects.
Do you have questions about Birth control shot (Depo-Provera)? Visit Bedsider.org for answers to many of the most popular questions about this method of birth control.