What are birth control shots?
The birth control shot contains a medicine called Depo-Provera, a hormone much like the progesterone a woman produces during the last 2 weeks of each monthly cycle. It stops the woman from releasing an egg and provides other contraceptive effects. Many clinics recommend that you use a backup method of birth control for a week after your first shot. Among typical couples who initiate use of Depo-Provera, about 3 in 1000 will experience an accidental pregnancy in the first year. Complete information about this contraceptive is available from your clinician or from the package insert that is provided when you are given Depo-Provera injections. Advantages: • Nothing must to be taken daily or used at the time of sexual intercourse. • Depo-Provera is extremely effective. If women receive their injections on time (every 3 months or 13 weeks), only 3 women in 1000 will become pregnant during the course of one year. • Women lose less blood using Depo-Provera and have less menstrual cramping. Of
