Could the birth control shot (injection) be right for you? Get the lowdown, including birth control shot effectiveness, how long it lasts, pros and cons – including side effects – and more.
Could the birth control shot (injection) be right for you? Get the lowdown, including birth control shot effectiveness, how long it lasts, pros and cons – including side effects – and more.
In the US, about 2% of sexually active women who want to avoid getting pregnant use this method of contraception.
“One shot protects you against pregnancy for 8 to 13 weeks,” explains Dr Ann Nainan, family doctor and Healthily expert. “This means you only need 4 to 7 injections a year – so birth control shots can be convenient for busy women. You also don’t have to remember to take pills every day, which some people find difficult.”
Birth control injections contain a type of the hormone progestin. This prevents you from getting pregnant by:
“There are different brands of birth control shot,” says Dr Ann. “The Depo-Provera shot – often called the Depo shot – is the most common. Other brands are Sayana Press and Noristerat. They all work in the same way, but there are a few differences.”
These differences include:
“Birth control shot effectiveness is very high,” says Dr Ann. “But it’s very important to make sure you get your injections at the right time (usually about every 3 months).”
Here’s what you need to know:
Here’s how you and your healthcare professional can work together to make sure your birth control shot is as effective as possible.
The effectiveness of the shot depends on you getting it at the right time, so try these tips to help make sure you don’t miss it:
“This depends on how late you are and what type of shot you’re using,” says Dr Ann. “Always talk to your doctor about which injection you’re using and how often you need to have it”.
With Depo-Provera and Sayana Press:
With Noristerat:
If you want to stop using the birth control shot, all you need to do is not get your next shot when it’s due.
Remember that if you don’t want to get pregnant, you should start using another type of contraception before your next shot is due – even if your period hasn’t come back yet.
“Only you can decide what type of contraception best suits your lifestyle and preference,” says Dr Ann. “If you have a busy life and aren’t good at remembering to take a pill every day, the shot may be a good choice for you. But as with all types of contraception, it has advantages and disadvantages.
“You might also want to consider other long-term methods of birth control, such as the [implant], hormonal IUD or copper IUD. It can be helpful to talk about all the options with your doctor or a contraception nurse.”
Most of the shot’s possible side effects aren’t common. The main thing you’re likely to notice is changes to your menstrual cycle. These can include:
It’s best to speak to your doctor about any changes to your period, including bleeding between periods or spotting. They can check what’s causing them, and advise on things to help.
If you stop having the shot, your periods will usually come back – although it might take a few months, and sometimes up to a year. Remember, though, that it’s still possible to get pregnant at this time, even if you’re not having periods. So always use another method of birth control if you stop having the shot and you don’t want to get pregnant.
Other potential side effects include:
From the limited evidence available, we can’t be sure if there’s a link between the shot and an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Talk to your doctor if you have risk factors for heart disease (such as smoking, obesity or diabetes), as they may recommend a different type of contraception.
Other disadvantages include:
Your doctor may recommend you use another type of contraception if you:
“Your ob-gyn or another healthcare professional will usually give you your injection,” says Dr Ann. “And if you want to learn how to inject Sayana Press, ask your healthcare professional.”
We know you might not like getting shots – who does? In fact, about 10% of Americans are highly anxious about needles. But this shouldn’t mean the shot isn’t for you.
Simple tips to make getting a shot easier include:
And remember, if you really can’t face having a shot every few months, there are effective birth control options that don’t involve needles – check out other types of contraceptives.
Important: Our website provides useful information but is not a substitute for medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your doctor when making decisions about your health.