Dear Tarantism,

The shot (brand name Depo-Provera) is one of the most effective forms of birth control — it's up to 99.7 percent effective when used correctly.

Irregular bleeding is the most common side effect for women using the shot. Periods become fewer and lighter for most women, and often stop altogether. Some women also experience sore breasts as a side effect of the shot.

Getting a period each month can be reassuring to a woman who doesn't wish to be pregnant. A woman who misses periods because she is on the shot might worry about pregnancy, but it is very unlikely that a woman would become pregnant while on the shot.

For more information about the shot, check out Is the Shot Right for Me?

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.