A depo shot or Depo-Provera is a birth control method that women can get as a shot of a manmade hormone, medroxyprogesterone. This manmade hormone is similar to the natural female hormone progesterone and works on your pituitary gland, causing your ovaries to stop sending out eggs and also changing the lining of your uterus and the mucus in your cervix.

You’re immediately protected after receiving the first Depo-Provera shot if you get it during your menstrual period. If it’s given to you at another time during your cycle, you may need to wait a week to 10 days before having intercourse without a condom to prevent pregnancy.

The first injection of Depo-Provera is usually given within the first seven days of the start of your menstrual period. However, it can be given at another time if you are confident that you aren’t pregnant. Once the shot has been given, no additional steps are needed to prevent pregnancy.

With Depo-Provera, you must receive another shot once every three months (12 weeks) to remain fully protected. It’s important to stick with the schedule for your shot. If you are more than 2 weeks late for your shot, you will no longer be.  protected from pregnancy