Can you get pregnant on the depo shot?

Question

I've heard so many conflicting answers. I got the shot almost 3 months ago, and we abstained from sex for the first 4 weeks per doctors orders. It apparently takes that long to be effective, so to be on the safe side we just didn't do it as I get pregnant if he just looks at me. I had an almost normal period weeks 5 and 6 on the shot, and then we resumed having sex again. The weird thing is, when I was on the shot three years ago I spotted for almost 3 months straight before my periods quit, and this time there is nothing. I've been really sick to my stomach the past few days and have been getting a ton of headaches. It's exactly how I felt when I was pregnant with my son. I plan on getting a test if the symptoms continue when my husband gets paid, but due to spending so much at Christmas I can't afford to get one right now. I'm hoping it's just the flu, as I really don't want to have another baby right now as I'm going to nursing school. What do you think, is it possible?

Shadre, I think I already answered that question. NO I do not want to get pregnant. I am too busy with my 7 month old, 18 month old, and going to nursing school. I'm on the shot because I'm really bad at remembering to take the pill.

Midora, I'm married and my husband would be very upset if we quit having sex.

Answer 1

I just injected my 3rd shot and it is effective 24 hours after the injection. I spotted for the first 3 months as well. As long as you stay on schedule and be sure to inject at or 5 days prior to the 84 day mark you are better protected than any other birthcontrol out there. Look up the depo provera website. Its like fort knox protection.

Answer 2

I've heard it's possible to get pregnant on Depo towards the end of the shot so closer to weeks 10-12 but then again anything is possible. I used Depo for a long time and every shot was different for me, sometimes spotting all the time, somethings no periods at all, sometimes heavy periods once during the 3 months. I also noticed it completely messed up my hormones in general which could be what's going on with you. Your hormones can make your body react different and even give you syptoms similar to pregnancy. I hope everything works out but make sure you take a test as soon as you can afford to and be safe until then. Don't be drinking or anything until you know. Good luck!

Answer 3

It does not take 4 weeks for the shot to become effective. I never got pregnant on the shot and i was on it for 3 years and never used condoms with my husband. I think it is the best form of birth control. I never did gain weight. I never had a period though of the entire 3 years i was on it. Once i stopped taking it i became pregnant in a year (11 months).

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 to remain fully protected.
How soon does it work?
Protection begins immediately after the first shot if given during a menstrual period.

How effective is Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs

Answer 4

I highly doubt you are pregnant. Depo-prevara messes with your hormones a LOT - even more than the pill does - so it is normal for you to stop menstruating and to feel the way you did when you were pregnant and undergoing hormonal changes.

Another question is, "Should you really have to go through all this just to avoid pregnancy?" I decided not to put my body through all that, and am now only willing to have relationships with men who care enough about me to wear a condom during intercourse. That's not what you asked, of course, and I know your primary concern right now is (not) being pregnant. I hope, and am 99% sure, that you are not.

Answer 5

Yes you can get pregnant even on the depo shot, I dont believe it's 100% effective.


good luck

Answer 6

Nothing is 100% effective.

Answer 7

U never know. Do u want to get pregnant?