Depo Provera®

Patient Education

Published Oct. 14, 2026

• Reviewed by a UI Health Care Provider

What is Depo Provera^®? How does it work?

Depo Provera^® (also called depo medroxyprogesterone acetate or DMPA) is a moderately long-acting form of birth control.
It is used to treat irregular periods.
It is given by an injection (shot) into the muscle every 12 weeks (about 3 months). It is slowly released over 12 weeks.
It has a female hormone (progestin). This works by stopping the release of an egg each month.

You must go back to the clinic every 12 weeks to get your shot.
After your first shot, you will not see a provider at every visit. A nurse will give you the shot.
If you want to change to a different birth control or have other questions, call the clinic. You will need to see a provider.

See your provider each year for an exam and routine health care.

The shots are given in the muscle in the hip every 12 weeks. It may be given earlier than 12 weeks if you cannot make your next visit at the scheduled time.

If you do not get your shot at least every 12 weeks, you are at higher risk of getting pregnant.

About 4 out of 100 people get pregnant during the first year of use. This means it works as well as birth control pills.

It is easy to use.
- You get a shot every 12 weeks instead of taking a pill each day or using something each time you have sex.
It works well if you get your shots on time.
- If the first shot is given during your period or when you are switching from another method, it protects you from pregnancy within 24 hours.
- If you are not having your period or switching from another method, a pregnancy test will be done. You need to use backup birth control for 7 days.
You can get pregnant after stopping the shots. However, it can take some time for the effects of Depo Provera^® to wear off.
It can be used by people who cannot take estrogen.
Studies show it does not raise your risk for breast, ovarian, liver, or cervical cancer. It lowers the risk of uterine cancer.
It is safe to use while breastfeeding.
- It will not lessen how much milk your body makes or the quality of your milk if you get your first shot at least 6 weeks after delivery.
- It will not harm your baby.
- The shot can be given the first few days after delivery.

You can have irregular bleeding (mostly spotting) the first year of use. The bleeding lessens over time. After 3 injections, most people have very light spotting only.
Fertility (the ability to get pregnant) may take a while to come back after shots are stopped. Most people who want to get pregnant will be within 6 to 8 months after the last shot. It rarely takes longer than 1 year.
Your bone mineral density can decrease (lessen). This can also happen when you are pregnant or breastfeeding. When you stop the shots, bone density goes back to normal quickly. Be sure to get enough calcium and vitamin D.
- Do weight bearing exercises (such as walking, jogging, stair climbing).
You may gain 5 to 10 pounds over each year of use. Keep exercising and eating healthy foods.
It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Use condoms to lower your risk of STIs.
Rare side effects are:
- Breast tenderness
- Feeling dizzy
- Feeling more tired than normal
- Feeling nervous
- Headaches
- Lower sex drive

Are pregnant or think you might be pregnant
Have irregular vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by your provider
Have certain types of liver disease
Have had breast cancer
Have a history of blood clot(s) and are high risk of getting another clot
Have severe high blood pressure that is not controlled
Have diabetes with vascular disease, kidney disease, eye disease, or nerve damage