Pregnancy: Could I Be Pregnant? / Question
Published: February 23, 2006
Dear TeenHealthFX,
so im on the depo shot, can i still get pregnant? i have all the symptoms of pregnancy except for morning sickness, should i be worried?
Signed: Can I Be Pregnant on the Depo Shot
Dear Can I Be Pregnant on the Depo Shot,
Depo-Provera is a hormonal method of birth control where a woman receives a shot of Progestin every 12 weeks in order to prevent the release of an egg. Since you are asking if someone can get pregnant while using this type of birth control, keep in mind that abstinence is the only method of birth control that is 100% effective against pregnancy. With perfect use Depo-Provera is considered to be 99+% effective if used correctly and consistently, but only 97% effective when you consider the typical use of the average woman. So Depo-Provera can be very effective in preventing unwanted pregnancies, however, there is always that possibility that pregnancy might occur.
You did not say what symptoms you are currently experiencing, but symptoms in early pregnancy can include nausea and vomiting, breast tenderness, constipation, spotting, frequent urination, fatigue, dizziness or fainting, heartburn and possible changes in mood. If you have any concerns that you may be pregnant, or are experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. If you are pregnant, the sooner you know the better so that you can have time to think about and plan what you would like to do (i.e., abortion, adoption or keep the baby). If you do plan on keeping the baby or giving the baby up for adoption, confirming your pregnancy early on is helpful because you will have more time to ensure that you get your needed prenatal care, as well as time to discuss with your doctor anything that needs to be discontinued for the well-being of the fetus (i.e., birth control or any other possible harmful medications, alcohol/drug use, cigarette smoking).
TeenHealthFX also wants you to be aware that Depo-Provera does NOT protect against STD’s, including HIV. In order to protect yourself from transmitting any STD’s, FX recommends using condoms with any type of birth control that only protects against pregnancy (i.e., the pill, the patch, the vaginal ring, diaphragm/cervical cap, contraceptive sponge and spermicides). Remember to only use water-based and silicone-based lubricants with condoms, as these two types of lubricants keep stress on latex condoms to a minimum and help to keep them from breaking. Never use oil-based lubricants, such as baby oil or Vaseline, as they will damage the condom and make it unsafe.
If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call Girl Street--A Young Women’s Health Program at Overlook Hospital at (908) 522.2555 or the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-6475 for an appointment. Outside this area contact your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in this country. More than 400,000 Americans die from tobacco-related causes each year, and most of them began using tobacco before the age of 18.
