The Shot
What's on this page?
What is the Shot?
The DMPA shot (short for Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate) is a progestin-only birth control injection that prevents pregnancy for 3 months at a time. It's commonly known as the Depo-Provera shot or simply the birth control shot.
How effective is the shot?
94-96%
Are there Depo shot side effects?
- Changes in menstrual cycle (amenorrhea, irregular bleeding, spotting).
- Weight gain.
- Decrease in bone mineral density.
How safe is the shot?
For most people, DMPA is a safe and effective birth control option
How do I use the shot?
Intramuscular form must be administered by a health care provider
Subcutaneous form can be administered by a health care provider or through self-administration (off-label; not FDA approved)
What are the benefits of the shot?
- DMPA is reversible and can be used by patients of all ages.
- Among healthy patients, no examinations or tests are needed before initiation of DMPA.
- No routine follow-up visit is required.
What are the disadvantages of the shot?
- Doesn't protect against STI.
- Need to repeat every 3 months.
- Takes a long time after stopping it to return to fertility.
What is the birth control shot?
The DMPA shot (short for Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate) is a progestin-only birth control injection that prevents pregnancy for 3 months at a time. It's commonly known as the Depo-Provera shot or simply the birth control shot.
Are there other kinds of birth control shots?
DMPA (Depo-Provera) is the only injectable contraceptive available in the United States. it comes in two forms: 150 mg intramuscularly or 104 mg subcutaneously; the only difference between these two formulations is the route of administration
*This guide offers general advice. Please consult your provider for personal recommendations.