Birth Control Shot

What Is It?

The birth control shot is a long-acting form of progesterone, a
hormone that is naturally manufactured in a girl's ovaries. The shot is
given as an injection in the upper arm or in the buttocks once every 3
months to protect a girl from becoming pregnant.



How Does It Work?

The hormone progesterone in the birth control shot primarily works by
preventing ovulation (the release of an egg during the monthly cycle).
If a girl doesn't ovulate, she cannot get pregnant because there is no
egg to be fertilized.

How Well Does It Work?

The birth control shot is a very effective method of birth control.
Over the course of 1 year, fewer than 3 out of 100 typical couples who
use the birth control shot every 3 months will have an accidental
pregnancy. The chance of getting pregnant increases if you wait longer
than 3 months to receive your next shot.

In general, how well each type of birth control method works depends
on a lot of things. These include whether a person has any health
conditions or is taking any medications that might interfere with its
use. It also depends on whether the method chosen is convenient — and
whether the person remembers to use it correctly all of the time.

Protection Against STDs

The birth control shot does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In fact there are studies that show that the birth control shot may possibly increase the risk of getting certain STDs. Scientists do not understand why, however.

Couples having sex must always use condoms along with the birth control shot to protect against STDs.

Abstinence (not having sex) is the only method that always prevents pregnancy and STDs.
Possible Side Effects

Many young women who receive the birth control shot will notice a change in their periods. Other possible side effects include:

• irregular or no menstrual periods
  
• weight gain, headaches, and breast tenderness
  
• depression
  

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a safety
warning with regard to the use of the long-acting progesterone shot.
Studies link this shot to a loss of bone density in women, although bone
density may recover when a woman is no longer getting the shot.

Doctors are not sure how this type of shot may affect the bone
density of adolescent girls in the future, though. So girls who are
considering the shot as a method of birth control should talk to their
doctors about it. Girls who are receiving the shot should make sure that
they are getting enough calcium each day, either through their diet or
by taking calcium supplements.

Girls who smoke should be sure to let their doctors know because
smoking may be connected to this bone density loss. Smoking also
increases a girl's chances of the other side effects of the shot.
Women may notice a decrease in fertility for up to a year after they stop getting the birth control shot. However, the shot does not cause permanent loss of fertility and most women can get pregnant once they stop getting the shot.
Who Uses It?



Every method of birth control should be considered in light of what
works for the individual. Young women who have a hard time remembering
to take birth control pills and who want extremely good protection
against pregnancy use the birth control shot. Also, nursing mothers can
use the birth control shot.

Not all women can — or should — use the birth control shot. In some
cases, medical or other conditions make the use of the shot less
effective or more risky. For example, it is not recommended for women
who have had blood clots, certain types of cancers, or certain types of
migraine headaches. Girls who have had unexplained vaginal bleeding
(bleeding that is not during their periods) or who suspect they may be
pregnant should talk to their doctors.

A girl who is interested in learning more about different types of
birth control, including the shot, should talk to her doctor or other
health professional.

How Do You Get It?



The shot must be prescribed and is given every 3 months in a doctor's office.

How Much Does It Cost?



Each injection (3 months' worth of birth control) costs about $60.
Many health insurance plans cover the cost of birth control shots, as
well as the cost of the doctor's visit. Family planning clinics (such as
Planned Parenthood) may charge less.