Dear sweetgirli02,

The shot is an injection of the hormone progestin — like the natural hormone made by a woman's ovaries — every 12 weeks. It prevents the release of an egg, or thickens cervical mucus to keep sperm from joining an egg.

Some family planning clinics may have the resources to offer the shot at a reduced cost or for free to women or girls who meet certain financial requirements. For more information, call your local Planned Parenthood health center at 1-800-230-PLAN.

In order to get the shot, a woman must make an appointment with a clinician in order to discuss her medical history. And it is at this time that she may also have a pelvic exam — but only if she needs one.

For more information, check out The Deal with Depo and this important update about the shot.

For information getting gynecological and pelvic exams, check out The Gynecological Exam: Your Key to Good Health.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.