Birth Control Shot: 7 Facts an OB-GYN Wants You to Know
This injection protects against pregnancy for 3 months at a time.
While the Pill still remains one of the most common birth control methods, more and more people are turning to methods that last longer and are more effective at preventing pregnancy.
One of these options is the birth control shot, also known by the brand name Depo-Provera. In this video, learn how the birth control shot works and its pros and cons, according to Kecia Gaither, MD, Director of Perinatal Services at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center.
- Kecia Gaither, MD, MPH, MS, MBA, FACOGDr. Gaither, an ob-gyn and maternal fetal medicine specialist, is director of perinatal services at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, a member of NYC Health + Hospitals System in Bronx, New York.
References
Food and Drug Administration. (2010). DEPO-PROVERA CI (medroxyprogesterone acetate) injectable suspension, for intramuscular use [package insert].
Kaunitz, A. M. (2023). Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA): Formulations, patient selection and drug administration. UpToDate.
Kaunitz, A. M. (2023). Hormonal contraception for menstrual suppression. UpToDate.
MedlinePlus. (2010). Medroxyprogesterone injection.
Planned Parenthood. (n.d.). Birth control shot.
Sathe, A., et al. (2022). Medroxyprogesterone. StatPearls.