Received Depo- Provera Injection. Is This Effective?

Posted on Sun, 27 Jan 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 27 Jan 2013 Answered on

Sat, 16 Feb 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I have just recently received my first depo provera shot 7 weeks ago. I have not used any other form of hormonal birth control. Is the depo shot effective now or should I continue to use backup birth control (condoms)?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (11 minutes later)

Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

Depo- provera injection is normally administered within the first 7 days of the menstrual cycle and back contraception is only advised for the first 7 days after receiving the injection.
At 7 weeks post injection, you would not need additional contraception.

The effectiveness of depo depends on receiving it every 3 months so that the levels remain stable.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar