Birth control shot (Depo-Provera): Side Effects & Benefits
Side Effects
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.
