Questions about protection with Depo Birth Control

Hi @bris04 It’s a real panicky feeling when you think you may be pregnant even while using protection. Happened to me too, many years ago. Depo-provera is given every 3 months and as long as you stay on that schedule it appears to have a good track record in preventing pregnancy. So the likelihood of you being pregnant is probably low considering you had your last shot at the end of July. You may be experiencing some spotting.
Here’s a little information from Healthline.com about the Depo-provera shot.

It’s good that you’re taking the prevention to avoid getting pregnant when you’re not ready to have a child. It always seems to end up being the responsibility of we women to make sure that doesn’t happen. But what you could do to add a little extra protection, especially as the timing of the next shot draws closer, is to suggest your BF use a condom. It’s a little more comfort to know there’s an extra barrier there just as a backup. And of course, it’s helpful for avoiding any STDs.
Have you taken a pregnancy test, just to make sure?

Hello! Thank you for your response! I have not taken a pregnancy test, I’m too scared to. I know I probably should though. Today has been 2 weeks since I started the bleeding I mentioned in the first post. Is this still considered spotting?

Hi @bris04, If you’re still having bleeding, that’s not a sign of being pregnant. Occasionally, at conception when a fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterous, there can be what’s called Implantation Bleeding but that is spotting and doesn’t last for more than 3 days. And by spotting, I mean it is just a little brownish or pink tinged staining on your underpants or mini pad. It’s not the same as your period.

I really think you can exhale now. It doesn’t sound like you’re pregnant. The article I posted for you before about Depo provera talks about breakthrough bleeding being very common with the first shot.

Here’s an excerpt. “ Some women will experience bleeding or spotting between periods for several months after beginning the shot. Seventy percent of women using the birth control shot experience episodes of unexpected bleeding during the first year of use.”

70% is a fairly high number of women who have this happen and since your first shot was in July you fit into this category perfectly. It will eventually diminish and some women, after the first year, actually no longer have a period. It takes time for you body to adapt to the new hormone changes. Certainly if this continues for another week or so you can call your gynecologist just to confirm it’s a usual side effect. (Not a pregnancy 🙂)

Here’s the full article again. https://www.healthline.com/health/birth-control/depo-shot-bleeding-how-to-stop-it#sideeffects

I know how stressful this can feel but I really do think this is just the breakthrough bleeding that’s common for women fairly new on this birth control treatment. As the article states, Depo Provera is highly effective so I hope this brings you a little peace of mind.

Thank you so so much! You have no idea how much I appreciate your help. You really have given me some peace of mind ◡̈

Can I fall pregnant 1 day in depo and 6days after mentruation

@machakamasunbah, welcome. It sounds like you are concerned about pregnancy. Am I understanding your question correctly. You are 6 days after completing your menstrual cycle and you had a contraceptive injection (Depo-Provera shot) a day ago. Am I correct?

Often health care providers recommend that you use a backup method of birth control for seven days after your first injection. Is this your first shot of Depo?