Expert: Diane Cheryl - 2/11/2009

Question
Hi, I got the depo 4 days ago.  I didn't have my period at the time, I took a pregnancy test then they shot me on my arm.  I was told it would be effective immediatly but to wait 7 days just to be safe.  I searched on internet and read that it is only effective immediatly if taken during my period.  I don't want to risk getting pregnant, please help!  Thanks, Maryann

Answer
Hi Maryann,

Thanks for your question. I did find somewhat the same information as you but it said that it is effective 24 hours after your first injection if given in the first 5 days of a normal menstrual period. . I couldn't see how long to wait if you are not having your period. I would recommend talking to your doctor about this.

Here is a website I found with more information.

http://www.brown.edu/Student_Services/Health_Services/Health_Education/sexual_he...

So anyway, if I were you, I would just wait a few days to be safe. I don't usually recommend hormonal birth control. If you read that article, you will see that there are risks and side effects. And that includes any kind of hormonal birth control. If you want to talk more, my email address is DCHERYL51@yahoo.com

Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl