Your first Depo-Provera shot
Depo-Provera offers complete protection against unwanted pregnancy as soon as it is injected. It is very potent.
Depo-Provera, however, should never be administered to anyone who is pregnant. This means that the first shot of Depo-Provera should be administered within 5 days of the start of your period. You can also have it within 5 days of an abortion, or within 5 days of giving birth (if you are not intending to nurse). After the first injection, follow the instructions and get your next shot in 11 to 13 weeks.
If you are late in getting your following shots, your clinic or doctor’s office will take a pregnancy test to make sure that you are not pregnant. Then they will give you your shot.
When you get your shot, you will likely be asked to stay in the doctor’s office or clinic for fifteen minutes to a half hour after the injection. This is to make sure that you do not have an allergic reaction, and that you don’t get dizzy or lightheaded from the injection.
The injection can be administered to your buttocks or to your arm.
The site of injection can be sore or tender for a day or two following the injection.
