Options, effectiveness, and risks
Birth control shots are a bang out ofhormonal contraception.
This is a notable benefit overoral contraceptivesthat require you to remember to take a pill every day.
This article goes over both Depo shots, as well as the other birth control shots used internationally.
It details their efficacy rates, how often you oughta get another shot, and potential side effects.
Birth control shots are not a safe option for everyone.
Be sure to speak to your healthcare provider about whether they are appropriate for you.
Be sure to share your complete medical history.
It belongs to a group of drugs calledprogestins, which are synthetic versions of the hormoneprogesterone.
Progestins work by keeping progesterone levels stable, which prevents the triggering of the different phases of themenstrual cycle.
When this happens,ovulationwill not occur.
Each Depo-Provera injection lasts for around 12 weeks, so you’ll need another shot every three months.
Medroxyprogesterone acetate is also available as a pill under the name Provera.
Noristerat
Noristeratis the brand name for norethisterone enanthate, also known as norethindrone enanthate.
It is anotherprogestin-onlyinjectable contraceptive and was introduced shortly before Depo-Provera in 1957.
Norethisterone enanthate is also sold under the brand names Doryxas, Norigest, Nur-Isterate, Syngestal, and Unidepo.
Noristerat is included on theWorld Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines.
Noristerat is considered safe and has similar efficacy and side effects as Depo-Provera shots.
Noristerat is also given by injection into the muscle of the shoulder or buttocks.
These are the same hormones that are used incombination birth control pills, thebirth control patch, and theNuvaRing.
CICs are not approved in the United States.
These shots are said to be 99% effective.
Schivone G, Dorflinger L, Halpern V.Injectable contraception.Curr Opinion Obstetrics Gynecol.
National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Depo-proveramedroxyprogesterone acetate injection, suspension[drug label].
World Health Organization.22.1.2 Injectable hormonal contraceptives.
In: World Health Organization Model List of Essential Medicines (21st Edition).
Chapter 5 - monthly injectables.
