Birth control shot (Depo-Provera): Basic Info
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.
Quick Facts
Very effective if you use it correctly. Lasts for months, is private, and is a good hormonal option for those who can’t take estrogen.
- Effectiveness
The shot is very effective the way most people use it.
Perfect Use: Over 99% effective.
Typical Use: 96% effective.
- Hormones
The shot contains the hormone progestin.
- Side effects
Irregular bleeding, changes to appetite, and weight gain are the most common side effects.
- Cost
Could range from $0 (with insurance) to $200 every three months.
- STI protection
The shot doesn’t protect against STIs.
- Ongoing effort
You have to either go to a provider to get a shot or do your shot at home every 12 to 13 weeks.
Different Types
In-office shot (Depo-Provera)
Depo-Provera (a.k.a. "the shot" or "Depo") is an injection you get from a health care provider that prevents pregnancy for about three months. The shot contains 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.
With the in-office version of the birth control shot, a health care provider injects the medicine into the muscle of your upper arm or your butt. You go back to your health care provider every 13 to 15 weeks to get a new shot.
There's also an at-home version of the shot, called Depo-SubQ Provera, that you inject yourself into the fat on your belly or your thigh. It uses a smaller needle, and the medication goes just under your skin.
At-home shot (Depo-subQ Provera)
Depo-subQ Provera is a version of the birth control shot that you inject at home or in another safe space. That means you don't have to go see a health care provider every three months to get the shot. With the at-home birth control shot, you use a small needle to inject the medication into the fat on your belly or thigh every 13 to 15 weeks. (Fun fact: subQ is short for subcutaneous, which means "under the skin.")
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.
Just like the in-office birth control shot, the at-home birth control shot prevents pregnancy for three months at a time. You can get the in-office version of the shot in a doctor's office or health center if the at-home version doesn't sound right for you.
