Read more: What to do if you lost a birth control pill ». Once you stop taking birth control pills , you may return to your typical cycle almost immediately. You may experience your first regular period in as few as two months. The birth control shot, Depo-Provera, is a hormonal injection that prevents unplanned pregnancy for three months at a time.
The hormone in this shot is progestin. The birth control shot works similarly to the birth control pill. It prevents ovulation and increases the mucus buildup around the opening of the cervix.
According to Planned Parenthood, when you receive it as directed, the shot is 99 percent effective. To ensure optimal effectiveness, women should get the shot every three months as directed.
Getting the injection every 12 weeks is vital to maintaining your protection against pregnancy. You should still use a barrier method of protection to help prevent STDs.
After your last shot, you might not return to your regular fertility and be able to get pregnant for up to 10 months. Both birth control pills and the Depo-Provera shot are very safe for most women to use. As with any medicine, these forms of birth control have effects on your body. Some of these are intended. However, some of these are unwanted side effects. Most of these side effects will ease within the first 2 to 3 months after you begin taking the pills.
Learn more: Birth control and weight gain ». Once the medicine is in your body, it will remain there for three months. You may experience side effects during this time or until the shot wears off completely. It is available in both brand-name and generic form. Depo-Provera is also available at a lower dose under the name Depo-SubQ Provera , but there is no generic available in that dose.
This version is a subcutaneous injection, which means that it is injected just under the skin. The Depo shot begins working immediately with no need for backup birth control if you get it within seven days of the first day of your menstrual period. Most common side effects associated with Depo-Provera go away after two or three months of beginning the shot, but here are a few to keep in mind:. Remember, the shot is more effective when you are on time for your injection. The only drug which reduces its effectiveness is aminoglutethimide Cytadren , used to suppress adrenal function in some people with Cushing syndrome.
Research indicates that Depo-Provera even reduces the frequency of seizures. Antiseizure medicines except valproic acid and the antibiotic, rifampin, greatly reduce the effectiveness of Norplant to prevent pregnancy.
Antiseizure drugs increase hepatic enzymes, resulting in the breakdown of levonorgestrel. Not all girls can — or should — use the birth control shot. Some medical conditions make the use of the shot less effective or more risky. For example, it is not recommended for girls who have had blood clots, some types of cancers, or liver disease. Girls who have had unexplained vaginal bleeding bleeding that is not during their periods or who suspect they may be pregnant should not get the birth control shot and should talk to their doctors.
The shot must be prescribed and is given every 3 months in a doctor's office or family planning clinic. Many health insurance plans cover the cost of birth control shots, as well as the cost of the doctor's visit. Family planning clinics such as Planned Parenthood may charge less. Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is the Birth Control Shot?
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