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Both the birth control shot (otherwise known as Depo-Provera) and birth control pills are highly effective forms of contraception. But they have their differences. While they both contain hormones that prevent ovulation, birth control pills must be taken daily, while the shot is administered by a healthcare professional once every 3 months. To decide which one’s right for you, read on to find out more about how each method works, as well as the pros and cons. Depo-Provera is an injection that prevents pregnancy for 3 months at a time. It contains a synthetic hormone called progestin. The birth control shot works similarly to the pill by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the lining of the uterus. According to Planned Parenthood, the shot is 99 percent effective when received every 3 months. If you have your shot on time without being late, there’s less than a 1 in 100 chance you’ll become pregnant during a given year. For those who don’t take the shot exactly as prescribed — often called typical use — the efficacy rate slips to around 94 percent, which means 6 out of 100 people getting the shot will get pregnant each year. It can take around 10 months on average for people to become pregnant after stopping the shot, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). In some cases, typical fertility levels may take a little longer to return. The shot doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You should still use a barrier method of protection, like condoms, to help prevent contracting an STI and potentially developing a sexually transmitted disease (STD). How does the birth control shot work?For a successful pregnancy to occur, an egg must be released into the fallopian tube and then fertilized by sperm. The sperm must move through the cervix (the opening on the bottom of the uterus). That fertilized egg must then travel down the fallopian tube and attach to the uterine wall. The birth control shot releases progestin into the bloodstream to stop an egg from being released from the ovary (ovulation) and thicken the mucus around the opening of the cervix. When there’s no egg present in the fallopian tube, pregnancy is prevented because there’s nothing for sperm to fertilize. And when the opening of the cervix is blocked by thickened mucus, sperm can’t travel through as well. Progestin also thins the lining of the uterus. In the event that an egg is fertilized, this prevents it from sticking to the uterine wall (implantation). The hormone released by the shot remains in the body for 3 months. After that, another shot is required to prevent pregnancy. Birth control pills are a form of hormonal contraception. They can also be used to:
Birth control pills come as combination pills and progestin-only minipills:
For the highest efficacy (and to help you get into a routine), try to take birth control pills at the same time every day. Combination pills offer more flexibility — they’re effective as long as you take one every day. But progestin-only pills must be taken within the same daily 3-hour window. According to Planned Parenthood, birth control pills are 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy when taken as directed. However, most practice typical use. Typical use accounts for missing a pill or two, being a bit late with a new pack, or some other incident that prevents someone from taking the pill every day at the same time. With typical use, birth control pills are 91 percent effective, which means around 9 out of 100 people taking the pill will become pregnant in a given year. Once you stop taking birth control pills, you may return to your typical cycle almost immediately and experience your first regular period in as few as 2 months. It’s important to realize you can get pregnant immediately after coming off the pill, whether you’re having regular periods or not. Birth control pills don’t protect against STIs, so it’s advisable to still use a barrier method, such as condoms. How do birth control pills work?Birth control pills prevent pregnancy in the same ways as the shot. First, the hormones inside can prevent ovulation. If no eggs are released, there’s nothing for the sperm to fertilize. (Note that ovulation is more likely to be prevented with a combination pill. A progestin-only pill results in around 4 in 10 users continuing to ovulate, according to the ACOG.) Second, the hormones increase the buildup of mucus around the opening of the cervix. If this sticky substance thickens, any sperm that enter the body will be stopped before getting near an egg. Both types of pill can also thin the uterine lining, ensuring any egg that is fertilized is unable to attach. Both birth control pills and the Depo-Provera shot are safe for a lot of people. However, they may not be suitable for all. For example, the combination pill has been linked to a small increased risk of:
This risk is higher in some people, such as those with a history of these conditions or those who are at greater risk of cardiovascular disease due to the likes of high cholesterol and high blood pressure. People who have given birth should avoid the combination pill for at least 3 weeks after delivery — and even longer if they have extra risk factors for DVT. Additionally, you shouldn’t take either type of birth control pill if you:
You shouldn’t use a birth control shot if you:
Note that people with numerous risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, such as smoking and diabetes mellitus, may have an increased risk of this disease while taking the shot. Side effectsAs with any medication, both birth control pills and the shot may have effects on your body. For birth control pills, side effects include:
Most of these side effects will ease within the first 2 to 3 months after you begin taking the pills. The side effects of the birth control shot include:
As the hormones from the shot remain inside your body for 3 months, the side effects can last for the entirety of this period. How effective is the birth control shot and pill?When used correctly, according to Planned Parenthood, the birth control shot is 99 percent effective, meaning 1 out of 100 people will become pregnant while taking it. If you don’t get your shot on time, the effectiveness drops to 94 percent, meaning 6 out of 100 people will become pregnant. Similarly, birth control pills are 99 percent effective when used as directed. But this drops to 91 percent with typical use. Is the birth control shot better than the pill?Just like the birth control pill, there are pros and cons to the birth control shot. One form isn’t necessarily better than the other. It comes down to your personal preferences and what’s right for you and your lifestyle. If you’re not sure which form of birth control is better for you, talk with a healthcare professional and weigh your options before making your decision. Do you get a period on the birth control shot or pill?For the first 1 to 6 months of taking the birth control shot, you’ll likely experience irregular periods. As your body adjusts, it’s possible your periods will get lighter and shorter, and then stop altogether after 1 year. (This happens to about half of people taking the birth control shot, according to Planned Parenthood.) The pill, on the other hand, can result in no periods if you’re on a continuous regimen where you take an active pill every day. But even if you’re prescribed a pill with 3 active weeks and 1 inactive week, you can continue taking the active pill to delay or skip your period. Do you need a prescription for the birth control shot and pill?Yes, you need a prescription for any form of hormonal birth control. The only exception is emergency contraception, often called “the morning-after pill,” which is available without a prescription at most pharmacies. Besides visiting a clinician in person, you can use online birth control services to receive a birth control pill prescription and regular deliveries. How can you prepare for getting the birth control shot?There’s nothing special you have to do to prepare for getting the birth control shot. However, eating a nutrient-rich meal and making sure you’re hydrated is always a good idea. If needles make you uneasy, let your healthcare professional know before they administer the shot. They may ask you to sit or lie down to help ease your nerves and reduce your risk of fainting. How quickly can you become pregnant after stopping the birth control shot or pills?As the pill is required to be taken on a daily basis, it’s possible to become pregnant immediately after stopping it. This is still the case if your period’s irregular. Due to the higher level of hormones administered, it can take an average of 10 months for people to become pregnant after stopping the shot. This may be longer for some. Can you switch from the pill to the shot or vice versa?Yes, you can switch. If you want to stop taking the pill and change to the shot, you’ll need to get your first shot 7 days before stopping the pill. Plus, you’ll need to make sure you finish your current pill back before making the change. Going from the shot to the pill is a little simpler. You’ll just need to ensure the first pill is taken at least 15 weeks after your last shot was administered. Alternatively, you can use a backup method, like condoms, instead of overlapping the two. Deciding between the birth control pill and the shot comes down to a few things. If effectiveness is your main concern, note that both forms of birth control are 99 percent effective when used perfectly. However, with typical use, the shot is slightly more effective at 94 percent compared with the pill’s 91 percent. If you want to prioritize convenience, the shot may be the better option. It only has to be administered once every 3 months, whereas the pill needs to be taken daily. Each type of birth control also has a number of possible side effects and safety considerations, which may affect your choice. Discussing your options with a healthcare professional can help you weigh the pros and cons. It all comes down to what’s right for you and your lifestyle. Lauren Sharkey is a U.K.-based journalist and author specializing in women’s issues. When she isn’t trying to discover a way to banish migraines, she can be found uncovering the answers to your lurking health questions. She has also written a book profiling young female activists across the globe and is currently building a community of such resisters. Catch her on Twitter. Can you get pregnant on your first birth control shot?If you get your first shot within the first 7 days after the start of your period, you're protected from pregnancy right away. If you get it at any other time in your cycle, you need to use another form of birth control (like a condom) for the first week after getting the shot.
How effective is the first shot of birth control?When used perfectly, the birth control shot effectiveness is more than 99%, meaning less than 1 out of every 100 people who use it will get pregnant each year. But when it comes to real life, the shot is about 96% effective, because sometimes people forget to get their shots on time.
How likely is it to get pregnant on your first Depo shot?Depo-Provera® is 96% effective in preventing pregnancy, which means that about four unplanned pregnancies will occur out of every 100 women every year. Women at greatest risk of accidental pregnancy while taking the birth control shot include younger women, such as adolescents (teens).
What happens after first Depo shot?You might notice some period-related side effects, particularly during your first year of use. This can include spotting (light bleeding) between periods, lighter periods, longer or irregular periods, or no periods at all. You'll need to schedule an appointment to get your shot every 3 months.
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How effective is the birth control shot the first time
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