Can you get pregnant on the birth control shot?

Can you get pregnant on the birth control shot?

The birth control shot works really well if you always get it on time — meaning every 3 months. But people aren’t perfect. In the real world, about 6 out of 100 people who use the shot as their only birth control method get pregnant each year.

But if you always get your shot on time, it can work even better. When you get each shot, schedule your next one so you can make sure you’ll be getting it on time.

If you’re 2 or more weeks late getting your shot, your doctor or nurse may ask you to take a pregnancy test or suggest that you use emergency contraception if you’ve had vaginal sex in the last 5 days.

To get started with the shot, or if you’re on the shot but worried you might be pregnant, visit your doctor or nurse or contact your local Planned Parenthood health center.