The Shot
Quick Facts
Moderately effective
Doesn’t reduce your chances of getting an STI
Lasts for 3 months
No one knows you’re using it unless you tell them
![Needle and body of syringe laid out side by side.](https://familypact.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/ThePatch_Prikpil_256px_192px.jpg)
More About the Shot
- The shot, most commonly known as “Depo”, or “DMPA”, is an injection. It has a hormone in it that stops eggs from leaving the ovaries.
- The shot also thickens cervical mucus. This blocks sperm from getting to the egg. If sperm can’t get to an egg, you can’t get pregnant.
- There are two types of shot:
- DMPA-IM: This shot is an injection into your arm muscle. It is given by a medical professional in a health care setting. It lasts for 13 weeks.
- DMPA-SQ: This shot is a subcutaneous injection. It can go in either the abdomen or upper thigh. You can give it to yourself at home, or go to a clinic. It lasts for 3 months.
- Who Can Use DMPA-SQ?
- Anyone who can use the shot for birth control can use DMPA-SQ. This is regardless of age or if they have used the shot for birth control before. Good candidates for self-injection include people who are experienced in self-injection of other medications. These include people who use injections to induce ovulation for IVF, people with multiple sclerosis who self-inject medication, and people who inject insulin for their diabetes. Experience with self-injection is not required for using DMPA-SQ.
- Who Can Use DMPA-SQ?
How to Use the Shot
- DMPA-IM:
- Make an appointment to get your shot.
- Talk with your provider when you get the shot. This is so you know how soon after the injection you are protected against pregnancy.
- Be sure to keep your appointments to get a new shot every 3 months.
- DMPA-SQ:
- You can ask your provider to teach you how to give yourself DMPA-SQ shots. They can do this via telehealth or in person.
![Young woman receives a vaccine dose from a healthcare worker at home.](https://familypact.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/iStock-1321072427-672x1024.jpg)
![Yellow donut chart showing 96%. The title says "96% effective with typical use"](https://familypact.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/The-Shot-96.png)
![Green donut chart showing 99%. The title says "Over 99% effective with perfect use"](https://familypact.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/The-Shot-99.png)
Effectiveness
- More than 96% effective with typical use. This means that on average, 4 out of 100 people using this method will get pregnant in a year.
- More than 99% effective with perfect use. This means that if the shot is used correctly all the time, less than 1 out of 100 people will get pregnant in a year
- You can improve effectiveness by:
- Getting your shots on time—you can set a reminder on your phone to help you remember!
- Using another method, such as a condom for seven days, if you wait more than 15 weeks between shots with either DMPA-SQ or DMPA-IM.
Benefits
- It’s an easy method to use. You only need it 4 times a year!
- It doesn’t interrupt the heat of the moment.
- Birth control is covered for 3 months at a time.
- It’s private. No one has to know you’re using it.
- It can lighten periods, or they may stop altogether.
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Side Effects and Limitations
If you have side effects, they won’t stop right away because you’ve already had the shot. Most of the time they will go away after a few months.
Side Effects
- Some people have longer, heavier periods or spotting in between periods. This is mainly during the first 6 to 12 months.
- Breast tenderness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Weight gain, most often in younger people
- Change in sex drive
- Increased risk of temporary bone loss, which returns after stopping DMPA
Limitations
- DMPA-IM: You need to see a provider every 3 months for your next shot.
- For people in their 40’s, receiving either shot for longer than 2 years is not advised. This is because bone strength may not return to normal.
- Both shots can delay your ability to get pregnant for up to 9 months after you stop them. That’s because the medication needs to work itself out of your system before you start ovulating again.
- Neither shot will reduce your chances of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Family PACT Coverage
If you are eligible, Family PACT covers the cost of the shot. A provider can help you decide if the shot is the best option for you.