What is a contraceptive (birth control) injection?
The contraceptive injection (Depo-Provera), also known as the birth control injection, is a highly effective and reversible method of birth control. It is a good option for individuals who struggle to remember to take a daily or weekly contraceptive.
How does it work?
The birth control injection is a hormone that prevents the ovary from releasing an egg and changes the lining of the uterus to make it difficult for an egg to attach or for sperm to fertilize an egg.
How do I get the birth control injection?
A physician or nurse practitioner prescribes the birth control injection. They will give it every 12-13 weeks (about three months), four times a year.
Planned Parenthood NL has health-care providers who can prescribe the birth control injection and other forms of birth control.
Does it prevent sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs)?
The birth control injection will not protect a person from STBBIs. To protect you and your partner(s) from STBBIs and pregnancy, use a condom and/or oral dam (dental dam) with another method of contraception, also known as dual protection.
To be effective, use birth control correctly and consistently. If you want to prevent unintended pregnancy, choose a method that you and your partner(s) will use every time you have intercourse.
Talk to your healthcare provider or visit a sexual health clinic to find out what might work best for you.
