Other Birth Control Method Questions And Concerns / Question
Published: January 14, 2008
Dear TeenHealthFX,
How long does a fertility shot last?
Signed: How Long Does A Fertility Shot Last?
Dear How Long Does A Fertility Shot Last?,
TeenHealthFX assumes that you are referring to the Depo-Provera shot. This shot of Progestin gets injected into your arm or buttocks every 12 weeks. If you have any further questions about this method of birth control, or want to know whether or not it is the right method for you, discuss your questions and concerns with your primary care physician, a gynecologist, or an adolescent medicine specialist.
If you don't have a doctor and live in northern
More information on Depo-Provera:
Depo-Provera works by preventing the release of an egg. A woman can get Depo-Provera shots from a physician, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant or local Planned Parenthood.
Advantages of Depo Provera (the Shot)
- Effective against pregnancy when used correctly.
- Only need to remember to go to the doctor every 12 weeks to get the shot
- Increased privacy - there are no pills that can be found
- Decreases blood loss and menstrual cramping during periods
- Nursing mothers can use this, although it is recommended to wait until the baby is at least 6 weeks old
- Can improve PMS, depression and symptoms associated with endometriosis
- Can help to prevent ectopic pregnancies
- Unlike some other medications, this is not less effective when taken with meds that may effect the liver
Disadvantages of Depo Provera (the Shot)
- Not good choice if you don't like needles
- Must remember to make appointment for shot every 3 months
- Side effects may include loss of period, discomfort, headaches and irregular bleeding
- This can be a good choice for those teens that don’t like to or have trouble remembering to take a pill every day.
- No STD protection, including HIV
- Has been suggested that it can cause decreased bone mass; therefore, regular exercise and calcium supplements may be needed
- Depression and PMS may become worse
- Some women are allergic to Depo-Provera
- Can be expensive
- Can increase your LDL (“bad cholesterol”) and decrease your HDL (“good cholesterol”)
- Some women experience weight gain
- Periods may change and can become irregular
- It may take up to 10 months for fertility to return or several months for the period cycle to return to normal
Effectiveness of Depo-Provera at preventing pregnancy:
Perfect Use: 99+% IF used correctly and consistently
Typical Use: 97%
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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