Injectable Birth Control: Benefits, Risks, and Open Questions

Injectable birth control has been used globally for decades, with the most common injectable contraceptive being depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), also known by its brand name Depo-Provera. 

This type of birth control is injected every three months, and its main benefit is that there is no device inserted into the body, as with an IUD, or the labor of taking daily pills. We will explain how this method works, as well as its benefits, risks, and open questions, so you can make an informed decision about using it. 

How Injectable Birth Control Works

Injectable birth control contains a synthetic form of progesterone that prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to block sperm, and thinning the uterine lining. It’s highly effective when it’s used regularly, typically every 12 or 13 weeks. 

Benefits of Injectable Birth Control

The main benefits of injectable birth control are its convenience, so people don't have to remember to take pills every day or manage an intrauterine device. This makes following the usage rules easier, which decreases the risk of unwanted pregnancies. 

It can also reduce or eliminate menstrual bleeding, which might improve the quality of life for people with painful or heavy periods. It’s more discreet, given that you don't have to keep supplies of it at home, which matters in some situations.

Finally, it doesn't contain estrogen, so it’s also suitable for people who cannot use estrogen contraceptives.

Risks and Tradeoffs

As with all mediations, injectable birth control also has its own set of known risks. One of the best-known potential side effects is bone density loss, which has been listed on the warning since 2004.

Another potential issue is irregular bleeding, especially in the first year of use, which can cause discomfort and inconvenience. 

There are also potential side effects, such as weight changes and mood changes. which can impact the user’s quality of life. And finally, there’s the potential of a delayed return to fertility lasting several months after the injections stop. 

According to the BMJ, prolonged use can also increase the risk of a benign tumor called meningioma, which is typically not cancerous, but it can impact the quality of life for the affected person. European brands had this warning on the box for a long time. 

However, the fact that this issue hasn't been included on the US safety label until December 2025 has contributed to an increase in product-liability lawsuits. For this reason, some people with this side effect occurring have asked for a Depo-Provera case evaluation to see if they have a legal claim.

Given its decade-long use, some studies are still underway, especially those on long-term use. These are studies done on large populations, and they reflect a broader reality in medicine: some rare risks are only visible on large scales. 

Still, it’s a relatively popular method that has helped millions of people plan their pregnancies. Users and healthcare providers need to stay cautious and weigh the risks and benefits carefully, as both the risks and the benefits are meaningful and impactful. 

And despite the popularity of any method, physicians need to stay informed, update their knowledge with the latest research, and properly explain every aspect of the medication to the patient.

Making an Informed Decision

People who are considering using injectable birth control should always consult their healthcare provider about starting or continuing its use. 

Each method has its own risks and benefits, so it's important to discuss the duration of use, future pregnancy plans, personal risk factors, new or persistent symptoms, as well as alternative birth control methods.