Birth control shot
What is the birth control shot?
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
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EffectivenessThe 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?
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HormonesThe shot contains the hormone progestin.
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Side effectsIrregular bleeding, changes to appetite, weight gain, and bone thinning while you’re using the shot are the most common side effects.
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CostCould range from $0 (with insurance) to $200 every three months.
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STI protectionThe shot doesn’t protect against STIs.
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Ongoing effortYou have to either go to a provider to get a shot or do your 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 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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