How much does the birth control shot cost?
How much does the birth control shot cost?
$0 – $150 per injection
$0 – $600 per year
$50 – $250 per office visit
Average birth control shot cost
The birth control shot, most commonly known by the brand name Depo-Provera, costs $0 to $150 per injection depending on your insurance coverage, where you get it, and whether you use a brand-name or generic version. Each injection provides three months of pregnancy prevention, meaning the annual cost ranges from $0 to $600 for four shots per year. Additional expenses for the office visit or exam can add $50 to $250 per appointment if not covered by insurance.
| Cost Category | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Per injection (generic, with insurance) | $0 – $30 |
| Per injection (brand-name, without insurance) | $100 – $150 |
| Per injection (generic, without insurance) | $40 – $100 |
| Annual cost (4 injections, with insurance) | $0 – $120 |
| Annual cost (4 injections, without insurance) | $160 – $600 |
| Doctor's office visit (if not covered) | $50 – $250 |
The birth control shot is one of the more affordable long-acting contraceptive options available. Because it only requires a visit to a healthcare provider once every 13 weeks, many people find it both cost-effective and convenient compared to daily birth control pills.
Birth control shot cost with insurance
Most people with health insurance pay $0 for the birth control shot. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most private health insurance plans are required to cover FDA-approved contraceptive methods, including injectable contraceptives, with no out-of-pocket cost. This typically includes both the medication itself and the office visit for administration.
| Insurance Type | Typical Cost per Injection |
|---|---|
| Private insurance (ACA-compliant) | $0 |
| Medicaid | $0 |
| Medicare Part D | $0 – $30 |
| Employer-sponsored (grandfathered plan) | $0 – $75 |
| Religious employer exemption plans | $30 – $150 |
Medicaid covers the birth control shot at no cost in all 50 states. If you have Medicaid, both the injection and the provider visit should be fully covered regardless of your age.
Some grandfathered insurance plans (plans that existed before the ACA took effect and haven't made significant changes) may not be required to cover contraceptives at no cost. In these cases, you may have a copay of $20 to $75 per injection. Check with your insurance provider to confirm your specific coverage.
Before your appointment, call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask whether injectable contraceptives are covered as preventive care. Confirm whether both the medication and the administration visit are included at no cost to avoid unexpected bills.
Birth control shot cost without insurance
Without insurance, the birth control shot costs $40 to $150 per injection, with the total depending on whether you receive the brand-name Depo-Provera or a generic medroxyprogesterone acetate injection. The office visit adds another $50 to $250, bringing the total per-visit cost to $90 to $400.
| Product | Cost per Injection (Without Insurance) |
|---|---|
| Depo-Provera (brand name) | $100 – $150 |
| Generic medroxyprogesterone acetate | $40 – $100 |
| Depo-SubQ Provera 104 (subcutaneous) | $100 – $200 |
| Office visit fee | $50 – $250 |
| Total per visit (generic + office visit) | $90 – $350 |
The generic version of the birth control shot is significantly cheaper than the brand name. Asking your provider to prescribe the generic medroxyprogesterone acetate injection can save you 30% to 60% compared to brand-name Depo-Provera.
Prices also vary based on where you receive the shot. Retail pharmacies and private doctor's offices tend to charge more than community health centers or family planning clinics. Planned Parenthood locations, for example, often use a sliding fee scale based on income, which can reduce costs significantly.
Factors that affect birth control shot cost
Several variables influence how much you pay for the birth control shot. Understanding these factors helps you find the most affordable option for your situation.
| Factor | Impact on Cost |
|---|---|
| Brand name vs. generic | Generic saves 30% – 60% |
| Insurance coverage | Can reduce cost to $0 |
| Location of provider | Clinics charge 20% – 50% less than private offices |
| Geographic region | Urban areas may cost 10% – 30% more |
| Pharmacy discount programs | Can save $20 – $80 per injection |
| Self-injection option | Eliminates office visit fees of $50 – $250 |
Brand name vs. generic
The most significant cost factor is whether you receive brand-name Depo-Provera or the generic equivalent. Both contain the same active ingredient, medroxyprogesterone acetate, and are equally effective. The generic version typically costs $40 to $100, while the brand name runs $100 to $150 per injection.
Provider type and location
Where you get the shot matters. Private OB-GYN offices typically charge higher visit fees than community health centers. Planned Parenthood and Title X-funded family planning clinics often offer the shot on a sliding fee scale, meaning your cost is based on your income. Some of these clinics provide the shot for free if you meet income guidelines.
Self-injection option
Depo-SubQ Provera 104 is a subcutaneous version of the birth control shot that some patients can administer at home after proper training from a healthcare provider. While the medication itself may cost slightly more ($100 to $200), self-injection eliminates the office visit fee every three months, potentially saving $200 to $1,000 per year in visit costs alone.
Ways to save on the birth control shot
You can significantly reduce or eliminate costs for the birth control shot through several programs and strategies. Many people qualify for free or reduced-cost contraception but don't realize the resources available to them.
| Savings Option | Potential Savings |
|---|---|
| ACA-compliant insurance | 100% (free) |
| Medicaid | 100% (free) |
| Title X family planning clinics | 50% – 100% |
| Planned Parenthood sliding scale | 25% – 100% |
| Pharmacy discount cards (GoodRx, RxSaver) | $20 – $80 per injection |
| Manufacturer savings programs | $25 – $100 per injection |
| Choosing generic over brand name | $30 – $60 per injection |
Government and nonprofit programs
Title X is a federal program that funds family planning services for low-income individuals. Clinics funded through Title X provide contraception on a sliding fee scale, and those with incomes at or below 100% of the federal poverty level receive services at no cost. You can find a Title X clinic near you through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website.
Many states also have their own family planning programs that extend coverage to individuals who don't qualify for Medicaid. These programs often cover injectable contraceptives at no cost.
Pharmacy discount programs
If you're uninsured, pharmacy discount cards from GoodRx, RxSaver, or SingleCare can reduce the cash price of the generic birth control shot by 20% to 70%. These cards are free to use and accepted at most major pharmacies. Simply present the discount card when picking up your prescription.
Ask your healthcare provider for the generic medroxyprogesterone acetate injection instead of brand-name Depo-Provera, then use a pharmacy discount card. This combination can bring your per-injection cost down to as low as $30 to $50 without insurance.
Birth control shot vs. other contraceptive methods
The birth control shot falls in the mid-range of contraceptive costs. It's cheaper than some long-acting methods upfront but more expensive over time compared to IUDs or implants that last several years.
| Contraceptive Method | Upfront Cost | Annual Cost (Without Insurance) | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth control shot (Depo-Provera) | $40 – $150 | $160 – $600 | 94% typical use |
| Birth control pills | $0 – $50 | $120 – $600 | 91% typical use |
| IUD (hormonal) | $500 – $1,300 | $75 – $190 (amortized over 5-7 years) | 99% typical use |
| IUD (copper) | $500 – $1,300 | $50 – $130 (amortized over 10-12 years) | 99% typical use |
| Implant (Nexplanon) | $800 – $1,300 | $270 – $430 (amortized over 3 years) | 99% typical use |
| Contraceptive patch | $0 – $150 | $150 – $1,800 | 91% typical use |
| Condoms (male) | $0.50 – $2 each | $50 – $200 | 82% typical use |
With typical use, the birth control shot is 94% effective at preventing pregnancy, making it more effective than pills, patches, and condoms. However, IUDs and implants offer 99% effectiveness and lower long-term costs once the initial expense is covered.
For someone planning to use contraception for less than two years, the birth control shot may be more economical than an IUD or implant. For longer-term use, those methods become more cost-effective because their upfront costs spread over many years.
How the birth control shot works
The birth control shot contains a synthetic form of the hormone progestin called medroxyprogesterone acetate. It prevents pregnancy through three mechanisms that work together for reliable contraception.
| Mechanism | How It Prevents Pregnancy |
|---|---|
| Prevents ovulation | Stops the ovaries from releasing eggs |
| Thickens cervical mucus | Blocks sperm from reaching the uterus |
| Thins uterine lining | Makes implantation of a fertilized egg unlikely |
The shot is administered as an intramuscular injection, typically in the upper arm or buttock, every 13 weeks (approximately three months). It must be given by a healthcare provider in most cases, though the subcutaneous version (Depo-SubQ Provera 104) can sometimes be self-administered at home.
Timing matters for effectiveness. If you receive the first shot within the first seven days of your menstrual period, it provides immediate protection. If given at any other time during your cycle, you need to use a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, for the first seven days after the injection.
The birth control shot must be repeated every 13 weeks to maintain effectiveness. Getting the next shot late, even by a few days, increases the risk of pregnancy. Set a calendar reminder or ask your provider about scheduling your next appointment before you leave.
Side effects and considerations
The birth control shot is safe for most people, but it does come with potential side effects. Understanding these can help you weigh the costs and benefits before committing to this method.
| Side Effect | How Common |
|---|---|
| Irregular periods or spotting | Very common (first 6-12 months) |
| Absence of periods (amenorrhea) | Common (after 1 year of use, 50%+ of users) |
| Weight gain | Common (average 5 – 8 lbs in first year) |
| Headaches | Common |
| Breast tenderness | Moderately common |
| Mood changes or depression | Less common |
| Bone density loss | Documented with long-term use |
Bone density concerns
The FDA has issued a safety warning about bone density loss associated with the birth control shot. Studies show that prolonged use can reduce bone mineral density, though this loss appears to be partially reversible after discontinuation. The FDA recommends that the shot not be used for longer than two years unless other birth control methods are inadequate. A bone density test may be recommended by your doctor if you use the shot long-term.
If you use the birth control shot, your doctor may recommend getting adequate calcium (1,000 to 1,300 mg daily) and vitamin D to support bone health. Weight-bearing exercise can also help maintain bone density.
Return to fertility
Unlike some other contraceptive methods, fertility does not return immediately after stopping the birth control shot. It can take 6 to 12 months after the last injection for ovulation to resume, and some people experience delays of up to 18 months. This is an important consideration for anyone planning to become pregnant in the near future.
Who should avoid the shot
The birth control shot is not recommended for people who have a history of blood clots, certain types of cancer, liver disease, or unexplained vaginal bleeding. Anyone who might already be pregnant should not receive the injection. A pregnancy test should be taken before starting the shot if there is any chance of pregnancy. Discuss your full medical history with your healthcare provider to determine if the shot is appropriate for you.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get the birth control shot for free?
Yes. Most insurance plans cover the birth control shot at no cost under the ACA. Medicaid also covers it for free in all states. Uninsured individuals may qualify for free injections through Title X-funded family planning clinics or Planned Parenthood's sliding fee scale program.
How often do I need to get the shot?
The birth control shot is administered every 13 weeks, or approximately every three months. This means you need four injections per year. It's important to stay on schedule; getting the shot late reduces its effectiveness and increases the risk of pregnancy.
Is the generic birth control shot as effective as Depo-Provera?
Yes. The generic medroxyprogesterone acetate injection contains the same active ingredient at the same dose as brand-name Depo-Provera. It is equally effective at preventing pregnancy and is approved by the FDA. The only difference is the price, with generics costing 30% to 60% less.
Do I have to pay for the doctor's visit separately?
It depends on your insurance and provider. Under most ACA-compliant plans, the office visit for contraceptive administration is covered along with the medication. Without insurance, office visit fees of $50 to $250 are typically charged separately from the cost of the injection itself.
Does the birth control shot protect against STDs?
No. The birth control shot does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You should use condoms in addition to the shot if you need protection against STDs. If you're concerned about exposure, STD testing is widely available and affordable.
Will the birth control shot cause weight gain?
Some people experience weight gain while using the birth control shot. Studies suggest an average gain of 5 to 8 pounds in the first year of use, with additional weight gain possible over time. Not everyone gains weight, and lifestyle factors like diet and exercise play a role.
What happens if I want to stop using the shot?
You can stop using the birth control shot at any time by simply not getting your next injection. However, the hormones don't leave your system immediately. It can take 6 to 12 months for fertility to return, so plan accordingly if you're hoping to conceive. Side effects like irregular bleeding may also persist for several months after the last injection.