How long does the depo shot last

What is Depo Provera?

Depo Provera is a contraceptive injection containing progestogen. Some people call it “the injection”, "the jab" or "DP".

Progestogen is similar to one of the hormones produced naturally in the ovaries. The injection is given every 13 weeks.

How does it work?

Depo Provera prevents pregnancy by stopping the ovaries releasing an egg each month. There are also changes to the lining of the uterus (endometrium).

How well does it work?

Typically, Depo Provera is 97% effective. This means three out of 100 people using Depo Provera will get pregnant each year.

If you have your injections on time (every 13 weeks) it can be more than 99% effective.

What will I notice?

Your bleeding may be irregular or longer than usual, especially in the first three to six months. This is safe for your body and there are pills to stop this if it happens.

About 70% of people will have no periods after four injections. This is safe.

Can I still become pregnant after stopping the injections?

Your natural fertility can take some time to return to normal. On average this will be six months but it can take up to one year.

If you are planning a pregnancy soon it may be best not to use Depo Provera.

If you get pregnant while using Depo Provera, and decide to continue with your pregnancy, there is no additional risk of damage to the baby.

Who can use it?

Most people can use Depo Provera, even those who cannot use the combined contraceptive pill.

Who should not use it?

If you have had breast cancer you should not use Depo Provera.
If you are planning a pregnancy in the next few months you may prefer to use a different type of contraceptive.

What are the advantages?

Almost 100% effective.
Convenient.
Lasts for 13 weeks.
No daily pill taking.
Doesn’t interfere with sexual intercourse.
No one else needs to know you are using it.
Reduces the risk of endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus) by 80%.
Helps if you have heavy or painful periods.

What are the disadvantages?

Once you have had an injection of Depo Provera, it lasts at least 13 weeks which can be a nuisance if you experience a side effect.

It can cause irregular or longer than usual bleeding. This is more common when first starting to use Depo Provera and often improves with time.

Are there any possible side effects?

The research does not show that the injection causes any change in mood, libido or headaches.

Allergic reactions are possible but this is extremely rare.

Weight changes

Some people put on weight, some lose weight, most do not change weight

Bone Density

Depo Provera has been associated with a reduction in bone density. This improves after stopping Depo Provera.

Cancer

The risk of endometrial cancer is reduced by 80%. There is no overall change in the rate of cancer of the cervix, the ovary or breast cancer.

Does the injection protect you from sexually transmissible infections (STIs)?

No. You need to use condoms (and lubricant) as well to protect against STIs.

Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone) is an injectable birth control method. The shot is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. When you stop the shots, your fertility should return within 10 months, and you should watch for signs of pregnancy after Depo-Provera is no longer being given.

Many people are satisfied with Depo-Provera. Getting a shot only four times a year is convenient compared to taking the pill every day. It contains progestin, a synthetic progesterone hormone, and does not contain estrogen. You can even start Depo while you are breastfeeding.

This article discusses what to expect when starting Depo-Provera. It also discusses common side effects, and what to expect when you stop using this form of birth control.

Marko Geber / Getty Images

Before Starting Depo-Provera

Before you get your first Depo-Provera shot, you will need to be examined by a doctor. Your doctor will also review your health history. This is because Depo-Provera is a hormonal birth control method. Hormonal birth control is not right for everyone.

The manufacturer of Depo-Provera recommends the following tests:

Blood pressure check
Breast exam
Abdominal exam
Pelvic exam
Pap smear
Blood work, if relevant

Starting Depo-Provera

You should get your first Depo-Provera shot during the first five days of your period. This ensures you are not pregnant when you get the shot. If you get the shot at any other time in your cycle, you should get a pregnancy test first.

If you receive your first shot during the first five days of your period, Depo-Provera will provide immediate pregnancy protection. You won't need to use a backup birth control method.

Recap

You will need a medical exam before starting Depo-Provera. You should get your first shot during the first five days of your period. This will ensure immediate pregnancy protection.

Side Effects of Depo-Provera

Before starting Depo-Provera, it is important to discuss potential side effects with your doctor.

Bleeding

Some people have irregular or prolonged bleeding while using Depo-Provera. Others will not have any problems with bleeding.

Spotting and continuous bleeding are the main reasons people stop taking Depo-Provera. People who use Depo-Provera are more likely to stay on it if they are counseled about this potential side effect before receiving their first injection.

There is no way to know ahead of time if you will experience irregular bleeding or spotting. The bleeding may continue until the progestin wears off. This can take up to 11 to 14 weeks after you stop getting the shot.

Research suggests all bleeding stops for about 50% of people who use Depo-Provera continuously for one year. This includes regular monthly bleeding. With continued use, that number rises to 70%.

Bone Density Loss

Depo-Provera may cause bone mineral density loss. This leads to thinning bones and a high risk of bone fractures. Studies have shown that this may reverse when you stop getting Depo-Provera shots.

Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle while you are using Depo-Provera. This can help offset possible calcium loss in your bones.

Make sure you are getting plenty of calcium. Do weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises. Avoid tobacco and drink alcohol in moderation, or not at all.

Weight Gain

Some people gain weight after starting Depo-Provera. Discuss diet and exercise with your doctor before receiving your first shot. Sensible eating and regular exercise may help minimize your weight gain.

Depression

Depression affects approximately 9% of people who use this form of birth control. Talk to your doctor about this possible side effect before starting Depo-Provera.

Recap

Depo-Provera may cause side effects like prolonged bleeding and weight gain. These side effects are reasons why many people stop using Depo-Provera. More serious side effects may also occur.

Stopping Depo-Provera

You can stop using Depo-Provera at any time by simply not getting the next shot.

Because Depo-Provera may cause bone density loss, you should not use it for more than two years. Discuss other birth control options with your doctor at that time.

Getting Pregnant After Depo-Provera

Each Depo-Provera injection lasts about three months. If you decide to get pregnant after stopping Depo-Provera, you will need to plan ahead.

It takes an average of seven to 10 months to regain fertility and begin ovulating after stopping Depo-Provera. Ovulation is when you release an egg each month and are able to become pregnant. Rarely, it can take up to 18 months.

It is possible for fertility to return once your last Depo shot has worn off. For most people, though, getting pregnant after Depo-Provera will take time.

Watch for signs of pregnancy after stopping Depo-Provera, including:

Missed period
Nausea
Fatigue
Breast tenderness

You should stop receiving your Depo injections about one year before you want to become pregnant.

Summary

Depo-Provera is an injectable birth control method. It is taken four times a year. Before starting Depo-Provera, it is important to have a health exam.

Side effects of this form of birth control include weight gain and spotting or prolonged bleeding. These are some of the reasons why people stop using Depo-Provera. In most cases, though, bleeding will stop after one year.

Stop using Depo-Provera one year before you want to become pregnant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hormones are in Depo-Provera?
The Depo-Provera contraceptive injection contains a form of progestin known as medroxyprogesterone.
When should you get a Depo-Provera shot?
Depo-Provera is a contraceptive injection that is given every three months. When starting Depo-Provera, you should get the first shot during the first five days of your period.
Does Depo-Provera stop your period?
Maybe. Roughly half of all women who use Depo-Provera continuously for a year stop getting their period. However, in some women, Depo-Provera can cause irregular or prolonged bleeding. If you experience continuous spotting or irregular bleeding on the Depo shot, it should resolve 11 to 14 weeks after getting the shot.
How can you tell if you are pregnant on the Depo shot?
Depo-Provera can cause missed periods. While it is a highly effective method of contraception, pregnancy rates are still estimated at six out of 100 users per year. If you miss your period and wonder if you are pregnant, taking a pregnancy test is the only way to know for sure.
Take a pregnancy test if you experience pregnancy symptoms such as breast tenderness and growth, fatigue, nausea, food aversions, and a frequent need to urinate. If it is positive, call your doctor’s office.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

American Academy of Family Physicians. Depo-Provera: An Injectable Contraceptive.
Cleveland Clinic. Depo-Provera (birth control shot). Reviewed May 12, 2021.
Spevack E. The long-term health implications of Depo-Provera. Integr Med. 2013;12(1):27-34.
Singata-Madliki M, Carayon-Lefebvre d'Hellencourt F, Lawrie TA, Balakrishna Y, Hofmeyr GJ. Effects of three contraceptive methods on depression and sexual function: an ancillary study of the ECHO randomized trial. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2021;154(2):256-262. doi:10.1002/ijgo.13594
Divya V, Gayathri M, Priyadarshini P. DMPA: Compliance and side effects in a tertiary care hospital. Int J Recent Acad Res. 2019;1(6):263-264.

Additional Reading

Cornet A. Current challenges in contraception in adolescents and young women. Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2013;25:S1-S10. doi:10.1097/GCO.0b013e32835e06fd

By Dawn Stacey, PhD, LMHC
Dawn Stacey, PhD, LMHC, is a published author, college professor, and mental health consultant with over 15 years of counseling experience.

Thanks for your feedback!

Does the Depo shot last exactly 3 months?

Depo-Provera injections should be given every three months. If you wait longer than 13 weeks between injections, you might need to take a pregnancy test before your next injection.

How long does it take for the depo to wear off?

It only takes 15 weeks after your last shot for pregnancy protection to wear off. How soon you get pregnant after stopping the depo shot is different for everyone. For some people it can take up to 10 months for their ability to get pregnant to return to normal and for others it can happen much sooner.

How do I know when my Depo shot is wearing off?

The shot is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. 1 When you stop the shots, your fertility should return within 10 months, and you should watch for signs of pregnancy after Depo-Provera is no longer being given..

Missed period..

Nausea..

Fatigue..

Breast tenderness..

Can you get pregnant on depo?

Typically, Depo Provera is 97% effective. This means three out of 100 people using Depo Provera will get pregnant each year. If you have your injections on time (every 13 weeks) it can be more than 99% effective.