- Birth control
- Birth control shot
Birth control shot
What is the birth control shot?
The shot is just what it sounds like—a shot that keeps you from getting pregnant. Once you get it, your birth control is covered for three full months—there’s nothing else you have to do. Some people call the shot “Depo,” short for Depo-Provera. (Pronounced like Johnny Depp-oh.) The shot contains progestin, a hormone that prevents your ovaries from releasing eggs. It also thickens your cervical mucus, which helps block sperm from getting to the egg in the first place. Worth considering even if you’re afraid of needles… Because what’s a little prick compared to a pregnancy?
Quick Facts
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Effectiveness
The shot is super effective—as long as you get each shot on time.
Perfect use: 99.8% effective
Typical use: 96% effective
What are perfect use and typical use?
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Side effects
Most common are irregular bleeding and increased appetite, leading to weight gain.
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Effort
You have to go for a shot every 3 months.
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Easy to get
You need to head to the doctor or clinic for each shot.
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Cost
From $0-$120, but it all depends. Read more about costs.
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 you need to do is make and keep regular appointments with your provider. To get started on Depo, you will go to an appointment with your provider, you may have an exam (which is not required), and then you’ll get an injection into a muscle in your arm or in your butt. Every 13 to 15 weeks, you’ll see your provider again for another injection.
At-home shot (Depo-subQ Provera)
With the at-home birth control shot (Depo-subQ Provera), you use a different version of the shot that has a very small needle, and you either inject yourself or have someone else inject you. With the at-home birth control shot, you’ll be injecting the medication just under your skin rather than into a muscle. That’s why the needle is smaller.
If you choose the at-home birth control shot, you’ll need a prescription from a health care provider, and you’ll either pick up the shot at the pharmacy every three months or have it mailed to you if you’re using telehealth.
We can help you find an in person provider or online birth control delivery service.
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