The Shot

Self-Administered Shot

Important information about how to give yourself a birth control shot

Wash hands and determine the area on your stomach where you’ll inject the medicine. Clean the selected area with an alcohol pad.

Remove the syringe from its package, and shake for 1 minute. Take the cap off and hold the needle pointing up. Tap the syringe to shake bubbles to the top. Slowly push the syringe until all the bubbles are out of the syringe.

Hold the syringe in your dominant hand and use your other hand to grab the skin around the injection site.

At a 45˚angle, insert the needle all the way into your skin so the needle almost disappears below your skin. Slowly press the plunger all the way and keep the syringe in place for 5–7 seconds.

After 5–7 seconds, extract the needle from skin and apply pressure to the injection site with a tissue, toilet paper square, cotton ball, or gauze.

Dispose of the needle in a sharps container. If you experience any swelling, redness, pain, or fluid drainage at the injection site, call your healthcare provider.

Wash hands and determine the area on your stomach where you’ll inject the syringe. Clean the selected area with an alcohol pad.

HOW IT WORKS
‍The shot releases hormones to prevent your body from releasing an egg. It also thickens cervical mucus to make it harder for sperm to swim to an egg.

HOW OFTEN YOU USE IT
‍You need to administer a shot every 3 months; that’s 4 times a year.

EFFECTIVENESS
‍Typically, 94% of people don’t become pregnant.

STI PROTECTION
‍The shot does not protect against STIs. Be sure to use a barrier method.

HOW TO GET IT
‍A healthcare provider will provide a prescription for Depo-SubQ pre-filled syringe, sharps container, and alcohol pads for self-injection at home.

COST
‍The shot costs between $0–150 which could cost $0–600 in a year. If you have insurance, the shot is typically low- or no-cost

VISIBILITY
‍No one can tell that you are using the shot. If you want to keep it private, you’ll need to store the needles and sharps container in a private place.

STORAGE
‍Store in a dry place, ideally between 59–77˚F.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Only need 4 shots in a year
Light or missed period
Irregular bleeding for 6-12 months
Weight gain and headaches
Takes longer to get pregnant after discontinuing use

If you notice any concerning changes, reach out to your healthcare provider

This information is here to support you as you explore which birth control method (or methods) might work for you. It may take a few tries to figure out which method is best for you.