Pap Smear & Depo-Provera: What You Need to Know

A Pap smear is not required when receiving the Depo-Provera injection (Depo shot). The Depo shot is a form of birth control that contains the hormone progestin. It is administered as an injection into the muscle every three months. A Pap smear is a screening test used to detect abnormalities in the cervix, the opening to the uterus. It is recommended that women between the ages of 21 and 65 have regular Pap smears to screen for cervical cancer. However, a Pap smear is not necessary when receiving the Depo shot.