Skip to main content

How long after having a Depo Provera shot can you have unprotected sex?

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 13, 2023.

I just started Depo-Provera about a week ago during my period and I stopped bleeding. My question is how long do you have to be on the shot before you can have unprotected sex? And is there any medicine that can mess up the Depo-Provera shot?

Official answer

by Drugs.com

If you had your shot during the first five days of your period then you have immediate protection from pregnancy.

There are medicine and herbal products that can interfere with the effectiveness of Depo-Provera.

Some of these more common medicines include:
barbiturates
bosentan
carbamazepine
felbamate
griseofulvin
oxcarbazepine
phenytoin
rifampin
St. John's wort
topiramate

Always check with your doctor or pharmacist if you need to take a medicine while on Depo-Provera.
https://www.drugs.com/pro/depo-provera.html

Read next

Is it normal to have discharge on Depo shot?

Yes, changes in vaginal discharge is a common side effect of the depo shot (also known as Depo-Provera or medroxyprogesterone injection). One way the depo shot works to prevent pregnancy is by thickening cervical mucus, which limits sperm movement in the vagina. Hormones like progestin that’s found in the depo shot can make vaginal discharge more thick and opaque. Continue reading

Does Celebrex act as a blood thinner or cause bleeding?

No, Celebrex (celecoxib) does not act as a blood thinner. This is because it selectively inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and not COX-1. Continue reading

What are my options for birth control and how effective are they?

Birth control refers to any behavioral, hormonal, spermicidal, or physical device that is used to prevent pregnancy. Unfortunately for most, human error ("Oops the condom broke", or "I forgot to take my pill") is the reason most forms of birth control (also called contraception) fail; and this has resulted in most manufacturers rating their product's effectiveness on a dual scale: perfect use (PU) and typical use (TU). Continue reading

Related medical questions

Drug information

Related support groups