Progestin Shots (Depo-Provera)

Notes: The birth control shot is not recommended for more than 2 years because of possible increased bone density loss. It is not recommended if you: are very young; are pregnant; take medicine for Cushing's syndrome; have breast cancer; have a blood clot in a vein or artery and are not taking medicine for it; or have bones that break easily. All women should consider not smoking when using hormonal birth control.

* The Affordable Care Act requires insurance companies to cover contraceptives with no co-pay, as of August 1, 2012. Not all plans must provide immediate coverage, but as more health plans come under the law's reach, more women will have access to all free FDA-approved forms of contraception. The specifics of how and when insurance companies must comply are still being worked out. For example, insurance companies may be able to charge a co-pay for a brand name drug when a generic is available, and regulations are still being determined for contraceptive methods that involve surgery or other medical procedures. For more information, see What You Need to Know About Birth Control Coverage.