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How Often Do I Need to Inject the Birth Control Shot?

The birth control shot, or Depo-subQ Provera 104, is an injectable birth control method that you receive every 12-13 weeks. Failing to get your shots on time can lower the effectiveness. You can go to a health care provider to receive the shot every 12-13 weeks, or you can order your Depo-SubQ Provera 104 prescription online and inject it yourself at home. The most important aspect of this birth control method is sticking to the required schedule.

If you don’t get your shot within 15 weeks of your last one, you are no longer protected against pregnancy. Your provider will likely tell you to take a pregnancy test if you’ve had sex more than 15 weeks after your last injection, before you can give yourself the next injection of Depo-SubQ Provera 104. You should use a backup form of birth control if you fail to give yourself the shot within the 12-13-week window.

When you’re starting the birth control shot, you can begin the injections at any time. If your first shot is within seven days of the first day of your period, you’ll be protected immediately. If your first shot is at any other time during your cycle, you’ll need to use a backup method for the first seven days after the injection.

Get the Birth Control Shot At Home

Nurx offers the birth control shot for as little as $0 with insurance or $75 per month without insurance.

Many women find it helpful to set up a schedule for giving their Depo-subQ Provera 104 injections. You might want to use a tracking app or simply mark the shot dates on your calendar so you don’t forget. As long as you stick to the required schedule, this birth control method is extremely effective and convenient.

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