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Contraceptive injection

Contraceptive Injection

Hormonal Method

  • Subcutaneous

  • Minimally Invasive

  • 1–3 Months

The contraceptive injection is a hormone shot that provides contraception for a duration ranging from one to three months.
Effective
0 %

Details

The contraception injection provides a slow release of the hormone progestogen into your bloodstream to prevent pregnancy.

Progesterone prevents the release of an egg from your ovary (ovulation) and also thickens the mucus in your cervix to stop the sperm from entering your uterus.

You would need to have an injection every 2 or 3 months, depending on the type of injection you use. This is an effective form of contraception, with the highest risk of pregnancy being if you miss an injection.

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How to Use

Ask your healthcare provider if the combined pill is the right contraceptive method for you. Your healthcare provider will also explain how and when to start taking the pill, as this depends on the type you use.

For the pill to be effective, it has to be taken at the same time every day. Missing a pill increases your chances of becoming pregnant. Some women find taking the pill at the same time as a daily routine, such as brushing their teeth, helps them to remember.

If you do miss a pill, make sure to read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes in the box with your pill to find out when to take your next pill. If you are in doubt or have any questions, speak to your healthcare provider.

PROS

  • It is an effective form of contraception
  • You do not have to remember to take a pill every day
  • It does not interrupt sex
  • For some women, it may reduce heavy, painful periods and help with premenstrual symptoms
  • It may be an option if you cannot use oestrogen-based contraception

CONS

  • You will need to remember to have a repeat injection before it expires or becomes ineffective
  • Some women may experience side effects
  • It can take up to 1 year for your fertility to return to normal after the injection wears off, so it may not be suitable if you want to have a baby in the near future
  • It does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV), so you may need to use condoms as well

Side Effects

You may experience:

  • Changes in your monthly bleeding patterns, including:

    • Lighter bleeding and fewer days of bleeding

    • Irregular bleeding

    • Infrequent bleeding

    • Periods that last longer

    • No monthly bleeding

    1. Weight gain

    2. Headaches

    3. Dizziness

    4. Tender breasts

FAQs

What is contraceptive injection?
The contraceptive injection is a shot of hormones that prevents pregnancy while effective. It can last between one and three months.
Do I have to go to a hospital to get the contraceptive injection?
A healthcare provider must administer the contraceptive injection. Depending on where you live, you can have the injection done at your local doctor or family planning clinic.
Will I fall pregnant if I miss a contraceptive injection?
You need to have the injection once every month or every three months, depending on the type of injection. The amount of hormone injected to prevent unintended pregnancy will only last around 4-12 weeks. The injection type determines this duration. You are unprotected against pregnancy if you miss contraceptive injections.
How many contraceptive injections can you have?
If you are sexually active but do not currently wish to have children, you can continue having the injections to protect against pregnancy. We advise having regular check-ups with your doctor or healthcare provider to determine the method that suits you best.
Can monthly contraceptive injections make me infertile?
No. There may be a delay in regaining fertility after stopping monthly injections. In time, a woman will be able to become pregnant as before, although fertility decreases as women get older. The bleeding pattern a woman had before she used injectable contraceptives Generally, a few months after the last injection, The bleeding pattern a woman had before she used injectable contraceptives returns to normal. Some women may have to wait a few months before their usual bleeding pattern returns.
I may want to have children in the future. Will the injectable contraceptive affect my long-term fertility?
Periods and fertility may take up to a year to return after stopping injections, depending on the type of injectable, and this may vary from woman to woman.

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