Birth Control Shot Side Effects | Birth Control

The birth control shot is a highly effective form of birth control. It is progesterone only and is usually administered by a doctor or a nurse practitioner. The injection is usually given into your arm or in your buttock once every 12 weeks. While this is an excellent and highly effective form of birth control, it does have some side effects. Some of the most common side effects include breakthrough bleeding, headaches, and over a relatively short period of time, you may stop getting your periods altogether. These side effects are completely normal.

Now, the headaches and the breakthrough bleeding will usually get better with time. However, if you stop getting your periods with this birth control option, it's possible that your periods may not return until after you stop using this form of contraception. Please don't be worried. While patients are concerned when they don't see their periods, so long as they're using the birth control option correctly, this is perfectly safe.

One of the concerns about using the birth control injection, or the birth control shot, is the return to fertility. In other words, if you use this birth control option and you decide that you want to get pregnant, it can take up to a year for your periods to return and for you to start ovulating in order for you to get pregnant. So if you're thinking in the next year or two that you would like to consider pregnancy, you probably should consider a different, more easily reversible form of birth control.

Another concern about this form of birth control is the risk associated with bone loss. Now, the risk of bone loss is relatively low over the first year. But if you continue this form of birth control for two or more years, you may want to consider changing your options in order to reduce this risk from occurring.

Again, I highly recommend that you talk to your nurse practitioner or your physician about whether this is a good birth control option for you. Despite the side effects, this may be the birth control option for you. And while you're concerned about the side effect profile, it's probably better to use this than to use nothing at all.

[moonmoth]

I been on this form of birth control for years. I no longer have a period. I also don't experience serious side effects. I am concerned about bone loss since I've been on Depo for 6 years.

[gayaf]

I’ve only had one shot so far. My period came 16 days late and then when it started it was only for three hours. It’s been “ending” ever since that day. I’ve got no idea wtf is going on

[julitzaprincess]

I’ve never had any of this side effects🙏🏼

[htiiwiu]

The shot gave me severe depression and suicidal feelings a week after my 1st and only shot

[barbarakyle]

I've bled since I got it. Two and half months ago. My headaches are horrible. And its believed that my body could be setting up an infection because of it. And let's not talk about how I stay hungry. Plus the very bad stomach pains.

[Elizabethmetevier]

Breakthrough bleeding? Well... Try bleeding for 4 months straight after the 2nd shot. The 1st shot, the day after I was so moody I thought I was going crazy. it might be wonderful for some women, I am not among that group. Myself, I wouldn't suggest it. Do your research before you choose this or whatever method you end up using.

[FaveTVShows]

I get period cramps quite bad even though I'm not on my period

[CUBACHINA]

Pain pain abdominal pain am i the only one, i cant b

[miriamjabula]

I’ve been bleeding for a month now since after my first and only shot😩.. I need help! How can I stop it☹️

[tamiradavid]

But can u get pregnant while u on it or as soon as u miss it yes or no

[felisbertoelinda]

It has been olready three morths since i stop getting the shot cz i want to have a baby, but my period is so messd up and im confused if im really going to get pregnant.

[courtneyesparon]

It is normal to blood few days befor your depo shot

[nanaystevenson]

I’m Evelyn, I am deaf oral hearing impaired. I was 18 years old first twins half my daughter 1993and my son 1994 . August 10, 1994 birth control shot DP my arm left 2 time and my arm right one time later missed pregnant was 5 months abortion. Fourth my son pregnant 1998 also 5 th last my daughter pregnant 2000 years. My kids 5 children

[EWPBPSstealth]

side affects? yeah its called getting pregnant.

[kingyt]

Would you rather by diapers or pads... #PadsPeriod