The Shot

What is the shot?

The shot (DepoProvera®) is an injection of a hormone that prevents pregnancy. The hormone is DMPA, or depot medroxyprogesterone acetate. The shot is injected every 10-15 weeks.

How does it work?

The hormone progestin:

• Is slowly released and protects against pregnancy for about 3 months
• Makes the cervical mucus thicker which helps keep sperm from traveling into the uterus 
• Prevents ovulation (stops the ovaries from releasing eggs)
• Changes the lining of the uterus, which helps prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the wall of the uterus

How effective is it?

6 out of 100 users will get pregnant each year.

What are the benefits?

• It is a safe, highly effective and reversible birth control option.
• You only need to get the shot about 4 times a year.
• You do not have to think about birth control every day or every time you have sex.
• It may make periods lighter, shorter, or periods may even stop after a few shots.
• The shot can reduce the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease and cancer of the lining of the uterus (endometrial cancer).

What are the downsides?

• It does not provide protection from sexually transmitted infections (STI). External condoms or internal condoms can be used to prevent STI.
• You must visit your health care provider every 10-15 weeks.
• Users can get pregnant after they stop using the shot, but it may take up to 12 months after the last shot to become pregnant.
• Irregular bleeding is the most common side effect, especially in the first 3 months.
• Less common side effects include changes in appetite, weight gain, breast tenderness, nausea, change in sex drive, depression, nervousness and dizziness.
• It may lead to temporary bone thinning when used over a prolonged period of time. Protect your bones by exercising regularly and getting enough calcium and vitamin D. Bone density returns to normal after stopping the shot. 
• Talk to your health care provider about medical conditions such as history of or current breast cancer, anorexia or any eating disorder, and steroid use.

Where can I get it and what are the costs?

The shot is available at UHS. Video visits are available for contraception counseling and prescription of this method. Schedule by calling 734-764-8320 or see How to Get Health Care. See also Cost, Insurance and Payment.

Important tips

• You will need a prescription for this method. You also need to remember to visit the clinic every three months for a shot.
• The shot is usually given in a muscle of the upper arm or buttocks.
• It takes 7 days for DepoProvera to begin working. During this time, you should use a back-up method of birth control. 
• If after 2 or 3 months of use, you still experience some of the common side effects, talk to your health care provider.
• The shot may be a good choice for those who cannot take estrogen or are breastfeeding.
• For costs, see Costs, Insurance and Payment.

Personal experiences

Where can I get more information?

Talk to your health care provider. You can also get reliable information from Planned Parenthood.