Dear Ak_47,

Irregular bleeding is the most common side effect for women using the shot. For most women who are on the shot, periods become fewer and lighter. More than half of women who use the shot stop getting their menstrual periods after one year of use. The longer a woman uses the shot, the more likely she will be to stop having periods.

Click here for an important health update about the shot.

The shot is up to 99.7 effective against pregnancy when used correctly. However, the only way to be sure of a pregnancy is to take a pregnancy test. A woman can take a home pregnancy test that she can buy at a drugstore, or she can call 1-800-230-PLAN to schedule an appointment for a pregnancy test at the nearest Planned Parenthood health center.

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.