How long should I wait after getting the shot to have sex?
If you get the birth control shot (also known as Depo-Provera) within the first 7 days after the start of your period, you’re protected from pregnancy right away. Otherwise, you need to use some form of backup birth control — like a condom — for one week after getting the shot if you have vaginal sex.
Each shot will protect you from pregnancy for 12-13 weeks (3 months). So you’ll need to go to your nurse or doctor every 12-13 weeks (3 months) for a shot — that's about 4 times a year. But it's really important to get your shots on time, or you'll be at risk for pregnancy.
If you’re more than 2 weeks late getting your shot (it’s been 15 weeks or more since your last shot) your nurse or doctor may ask you to take a pregnancy test before getting your next shot.
If you had unprotected vaginal sex since the shot wore off (within the last 5 days), you can use emergency contraception to help prevent pregnancy before getting your next shot.
Tags: birth control, the shot
