What is it?
The contraceptive injection contains a progestogen hormone. This is injected into a muscle and is released very slowly into your body.
Once you have had an injection, you are protected from pregnancy for 12 weeks dependent on the type of injection. Only Depoprovera is routinely used for ongoing contraception.
How effective is the contraceptive injection?
The contraceptive injection is over 99% effective. This means that less than 1 woman in 100 will get pregnant in a year.
Where can I get a contraceptive injection?
Only a specially trained doctor or nurse can give you a contraceptive injection. If your GP or family planning clinic does not offer this method of contraception they may be able to tell you where you can go for it.
The doctor or nurse will consider your medical history to make sure you can have an injection. They should tell you about any possible side-effects before you have an injection. Ask the doctor or nurse any questions you have. Take information home to read and go back when you have made up your mind.
What are the advantages of contraceptive injections?
- You don't have to think about contraception for as long as the injection lasts.
- They do not get in the way of sex.
- You can use them if you are breastfeeding.
- They give you some protection against cancer of the womb.
- They are useful if you cannot take oestrogens, like those in the combined pill.
What are the disadvantages of contraceptive injections?
Some women experience some side effects when using the injection. These can include:
- Change in your period pattern: most commonly your periods become lighter and often disappear. Sometimes there can be extra bleeding or irregular spotting.
- It may take several months for your period to return to normal after you stop the injections.
- Change in your appetite and possible weight gain if you eat moreSome women put on weight using Depo-Provera.
- Headaches
- Acne
- Breast tenderness
- Mood swings
- Bloating
- There is some evidence that while on the injection there can be some thinning of the bones. For this reason it is less suitable for women under 18.
The injection works for 12 or 8 weeks, depending on which type you have. It cannot be removed from your body, so if you have any side effects, they may continue during this time and for some time afterwards.
Contraceptive injections do not protect you against sexually transmitted infections, so you may wish to think about using condoms as well.
Can anything make injections less effective?
Your injection may be less effective for a number of reasons including:
- If you do not have your next injection on time
- If you take a prescribed medicine that affects the injection. These include medicines that treat epilepsy and tuberculosis. Always say that you are using a contraceptive injection if you are prescribed any medicines.
Any medicines which you buy over the counter at a pharmacy in the UK will not affect the injection. If you take a prescribed medicine that affects the injection, you may need to have your next injection a few weeks earlier than normal.
If you have any concerns or wish more information on the contraceptive injection speak to your GP or staff at a GUM or Family Planning Clinic. You will find more detailed information on the injection at the link below.
Links
Family Planning Association: www.fpa.org.uk
