The shot may have an effect on bone density, but this is reversible. Pus, prolonged pain, redness, itching or bleeding at the injection site (may be a sign of infection) Severe, lower abdominal pain (may be a sign of pregnancy).Seek medical attention immediately if you have any of the following symptoms, as they could indicate a serious complication: For information on emergency contraception please click here. Consider using emergency contraception if you had sex without a condom in the last 5-7 days.Use a backup method such as condoms, or do not have sex until 7 days after your shot.
To reduce the chance of getting pregnant: You may not be protected from pregnancy.If it has been more than 15 weeks since your last injection You will still be protected from pregnancy as long as you receive the dose before the end of 15 weeks.Get your next shot as soon as possible.What if I am late for my injection? If it is less than 15 weeks since your last injection You do not have to wait for your period to start, but if you happen to get your shot within the first 5 days of your period you are protected right away.
The shot is effective in preventing pregnancy after one week of use, so you need to use a backup method of birth control such as condoms, or not have sex for 7 days. It is recommended you get the shot right away. When do I start the shot and when is it effective? You will then need to visit a clinic every 11-14 weeks to get your shots. You can visit a clinic to get the shot or a prescription for it and talk with a healthcare provider about whether it is right for you. With consistent and correct use as described in this fact sheet, it can be over 99% effective. The shot is about 96% effective at preventing pregnancy in typical use, which means that around 4 out of 100 people who use it as their only form of birth control will get pregnant in one year. The shot is a very effective method of birth control. It prevents pregnancy by thickening the cervical fluid to keep sperm from reaching an egg, and also may stop the release an egg (ovulation) in some users. It is given by injection and repeat injections are approximately every 3 months. The Birth Control Shot is a long-acting injectable birth control which contains the hormone progestin. What is the Birth Control Shot (DMPA, Depo-Provera)?