• Birth Control Options for Women - Injected Contraception
• Highlights
• Introduction
• Oral Contraceptives and Combination Hormonal Methods
• Implant Contraceptives
• Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
• Spermicidal and Barrier Contraceptives

Injected Contraceptives

Injected contraceptives are given once every 3 months. Most injectables are progestin-only. In the United States, depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera) is the only approved injected contraceptive. Depo-Provera (also called Depo, or DMPA) uses a progestin called medroxyprogesterone.

Depo-Provera is very effective in preventing pregnancies. About 3 in 100 women who use it become pregnant. However, Depo also carries the risk for many mild and serious side effects....