Depo-Provera

Birth Control Shot (Depo-Provera, Lunelle)

The birth control shot is a type of hormonal birth control delivered into the bloodstream through in injection into the arm or buttocks by a health care practitioner. Shots are designed to prevent pregnancy.

How Long It Lasts: Depo-Provera shots last for 3 months. Lunelle shots last for 1 month.

Maintenance: Users must make sure to make regular appointments with a health-care practitioner every month or every 3 months. No other maintenance is required while using the shot.

Shot Specific Concerns: While using Depo-Provera there is a risk of losing bone calcium, and the longer you are on Depo, the more calcium you may lose. There is a chance that this calcium will not restore itself, even after stopping Depo-Provera use. This can be offset, in part, by a calcium rich diet or using calcium supplements during use. Birth control shots may also result in loss of menstruation, sporadic menstruation, or spotting during use.

Effectiveness: The shot is 99.7% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Note: The shot does not protect the user from Sexually Transmitted Infections.