Birth Control Shot in Rockville and Silver Spring, MD

Women have a number of options for birth control including the birth control shot. This is the common name for the Depo-Provera,® an injectable birth control method for women.

Commonly called the depo shot or birth control shot, this medication contains a type of progesterone hormone to provide protection against pregnancy.

The birth control shot can protect against pregnancy for up to 14 weeks, but women usually receive one shot every three months, (12 weeks). The injection is typically given by your provider in a clinic setting in your arm or buttox.

How Does the Birth Control Shot Work?

The injection contains the hormone progestin which suppresses ovulation, or the release of an egg during a woman’s monthly cycle. If a woman doesn’t ovulate, she cannot get pregnant because there is no egg to be fertilized.

The birth control shot:

• suppresses ovulation
• keeps the ovaries from releasing an egg
• thickens cervical mucus
• keeps the sperm from reaching the egg
• does not protect against sexually transmitted disease

Benefits of a Birth Control Shot

The birth control shot has a number of benefits that may be right for you. One of the most attractive parts of the shot is that you only have to think about birth control four times a year. This is much less when compared to the pill.

The birth control shot may be for you if you:

• don’t want to take a birth control pill every day
• want or need to avoid using estrogen
• have health problems such as anemia, seizures, sickle cell disease, endometriosis or uterine fibroids
• it is a great option for breastfeeding mom’s.  Because it does not contain estrogen, the milk supply is unaffected.  Once completed breastfeeding, often times patient resort back to other hormonal options that do contain estrogen

As you talk to your health care provider, you will decide which form of birth control will work best for your situation and your goals. It is important to know the benefits of the shot, and if it will help you prevent pregnancy in a healthy, safe way.

Some benefits of the birth control shot include:

• That is doesn’t require daily action
• Eliminates the need to interrupt sex for contraception
• Decreases menstrual cramps and pain
• Lighter periods, and in some cases stops menstruation
• Decreases the risk of endometrial cancer

Is the Birth Control Shot Right for Me?

In a year of typical use, an estimated six out of 100 people using Depo-Provera will get pregnant. The risk of pregnancy is much lower, however, if you return every three months for your injection.

In order to prevent pregnancy, you have to remember to get a new shot every 12-13 weeks. That’s about every three months, or four times a year. Staying on top of injections is vital for the shot to prevent pregnancy.

The shot may:

• Delay your return to fertility
• Affect your bone mineral density
• Be linked to weight gain or bloating
• Result in changes in mood or other hormone imbalance
• May cause dizziness, nausea, headaches, and other side effects

Some of these risks are normal for any type of contraceptive. It typically takes a few weeks for your body to respond and adjust to the new hormone levels.

Because of these risks, you should talk with one of our providers at Capital Women’s care to see if the birth control shot is right for you.

When should I see Capital Women’s Care for my Birth Control Shot?

It is important to seek out a provider who is clinically trained and knowledgeable about birth control to learn more about the shot. It is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy.

After your first shot, your provider will set up a schedule to keep you on track for your other injections. These appointments are necessary and should be a priority to you if you are trying to prevent pregnancy.

To learn more about the shot or other forms of birth control, contact Capital Women’s Care of Rockville and Silver Spring today.