Birth Control Shot

Overview

The birth control shot is an injection in the arm, belly, thigh, or butt that keeps a woman 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.

Women have to get the shot every 13 to 15 weeks (around three months) to prevent pregnancy. There are two ways of doing that: get a version of the shot that goes into the muscle at a health care provider’s office or use a different version of the shot that a woman can give herself at home, that gets injected just under the 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 someone has gotten the shot, they are set for birth control for three full months. Each time someone gets a dose—there’s nothing else they need to do during those three months to make the shot effective at preventing pregnancy.

Quick Facts

Very effective if used 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
What are perfect use and typical use?

Hormones

The shot contains the hormone progestin.

Side effects

Irregular bleeding, changes to appetite, weight gain, and bone thinning while using the shot 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

Someone has to either go to a provider to get a shot or do their shot at home every 12 to 13 weeks.

Types of birth control shots - In-office shot (Depo-Provera)

Most people get their Depo shot at their health care provider’s office or at a health center. All that needs to be done is make and keep regular appointments with a provider. To get started on Depo, a woman needs to go to an appointment with a provider, and may have an exam (which is not required), and then get an injection into a muscle in the arm or butt. Every 13 to 15 weeks, she will see a provider again for another injection.

Types of birth control shots - At-home shot (Depo-subQ Provera)

With the at-home birth control shot (Depo-subQ Provera), it’s a different version of the shot that has a very small needle, and a woman either injects herself or has someone else inject it. With the at-home birth control shot, she will be injecting the medication just under the skin rather than into a muscle. That’s why the needle is smaller.

If someone chooses the at-home birth control shot, they will need a prescription from a health care provider, and either pick up the shot at the pharmacy every three months or have it mailed if they’re using telehealth.