What are the disadvantages of the birth control shot?
• You must get a shot every 3 months. • The birth control shot does not protect against STDs such as herpes or HIV/AIDS. If you are not sure whether your sex partner might have an STD, use a condom to protect against disease. • The birth control shot may cause bone loss in some women. This is a special concern for teenagers and young women. Be sure to get enough calcium in your diet and exercise regularly. You also should not use this method for more than 2 years without talking to your doctor first about the risks and benefits. • Many women gain weight after getting the birth control shot. • You may not be able to get pregnant for 9 to 10 months after the last shot. • If you have side effects from the shot, understand that they may last for up to 3 months. You also cannot change your mind about getting pregnant for at least 3 months after you get the shot. • The birth control shot usually causes changes in your period and may even cause your period to stop. You may also have spotting
