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Depo-Provera is a birth control shot that you get every 12 weeks. It is 99% effective and is progestin-only, which means it’s similar to Mini-Pills except that you get the shot and don’t have to take a pill every day.

It does not protect against STDs, just like birth control pills, so again you should always use a condom. The Depo shot is favored among women who can’t keep up with taking a pill every day because it lasts for three months. It’s also instantly effective if you get the shot within a week of the start of your period.

The most common side effect is an altered period such as irregular bleeding or no period at all. However, side effects with Depo last the length of the time you have the shot. Depo can also cause bone density loss and is not recommended for use after two years.

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