Understanding the Birth Control Shot and Its Duration
Birth control is an essential aspect of reproductive health that enables you to control when and if you want to become pregnant. One form of birth control that is popular among women is the birth control shot. The shot is an injectable form of birth control that utilizes synthetic hormones to block ovulation and prevent pregnancy. One question that users of the shot may have is: how long does birth control shot stay in your system?
In this article, we will provide you with detailed insight into the birth control shot, how it works, and the duration of the injection in the body.
What is the Birth Control Shot?
The birth control shot, also known as Depo Provera, is one of the several methods of birth control that works by inhibiting ovulation. The shot contains synthetic progesterone, known as depo medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), which is administered into the muscle of the arm or buttocks. The hormone then works to thicken the mucus of the cervix, which blocks the sperm from getting to the egg. Depo Provera is effective in preventing pregnancy for up to 99% of users.
How Effective is the Birth Control Shot?
The birth control shot is one of the most effective forms of birth control. According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, the shot is more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy with consistent use. This means that less than one out of 100 women who use the birth control shot as prescribed will become pregnant in the first year of use.
How Long Does the Shot Stay in Your System?
The shot stays in your body for a prolonged duration, which is why it is one of the most effective forms of birth control. After receiving the shot, it can take several weeks for it to become active in blocking ovulation. However, its effects will last for three months, which is how long it takes for the hormones from the injection to fully leave the body.
What Is the Half-Life of the Birth Control Shot?
The half-life of the birth control shot is an essential aspect of understanding how long it stays in your body. The half-life of DMPA is roughly 50 days. This means that it takes 50 days for half of the depo medroxyprogesterone acetate hormones to leave the bloodstream.
It is also crucial to understand that the length of time it takes the shot to leave your body ultimately depends on how many times you have received the injection. If you have only received one injection, it should take approximately three months for it to leave your system. However, if you have received multiple shots of the birth control injection, it may take a longer time for the hormone to leave your system.
What Happens to Your Body When the Birth Control Shot Wears Off?
The effects of the birth control shot will gradually wear off after three months. Therefore, you may be able to get pregnant shortly after the three-month period elapses. After three months, the levels of depo medroxyprogesterone acetate hormones will reduce, and your natural menstrual cycle will begin to return. Ovulation will then return within eight to ten months for most women, although some may experience more extended periods of infertility.
What Are the Side Effects of the Birth Control Shot?
The shot is generally safe for most people. However, some women may experience some side effects after receiving the injection. These side effects include:
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Weight gain
- Acne
- Changes in libido
- Headaches
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
If you experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor for advice on how best to manage them.
Can You Get Pregnant While on the Birth Control Shot?
The birth control shot is an effective method of birth control that works by inhibiting ovulation. According to available research, less than 1% of women get pregnant while using the injection as prescribed. However, the effectiveness of the injection can be reduced if you miss your injection appointment or are late for your appointment.
Conclusion
The birth control shot is an effective form of birth control that works by blocking ovulation. It utilizes synthetic hormones to prevent pregnancy for up to three months after administration. After three months, the hormone from the injection starts to reduce, and it is gradually cleared from the body. If you plan to stop using the birth control shot, it is essential to seek advice from your gynecologist to determine the best birth control options for you.
FAQs
- What is the birth control shot?
The birth control shot is an injectable form of birth control that utilizes synthetic hormones to block ovulation and prevent pregnancy. - How long does the birth control shot stay in your system?
The birth control shot stays in the body for three months, but the length of time depends on how many times you have received the injection. - What are the side effects of the birth control shot?
The common side effects of the birth control shot include weight gain, irregular menstrual cycles, acne, changes in libido, headaches, mood swings, and fatigue. - What happens after the birth control shot wears off?
Ovulation will return within eight to ten months for most women, although some may experience more extended periods of infertility. - How effective is the birth control shot?
The birth control shot is more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy with consistent use.
References:
- “Birth Control Shot”. (2021). Planned Parenthood. Retrieved 1 June 2021 from https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-shot-depo-provera.
- “Depo-Provera contraceptive injection” (Updated 27 Oct 2020). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 1 June 2021 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/depo-provera/about/pac-20392204.