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.
HOW TO:
Ask your healthcare provider is the contraceptive injection is the right contraceptive method for you. Depending on the type of contraception injection your healthcare provider recommends, you will need to return to the clinic every 2 or 3 months for another injection. The injection is usually given in your bottom but can be given in your upper arm. There can be a delay of up to 1 year before your periods return to normal and you can become pregnant.
Pros / Cons
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:
The injection must be given by a healthcare provider. Depending on where you live, you can have the injection done at your local doctors or family planning clinic.
You do need to have the injection once every month or every three months, depending on the type of injection you have. The amount of hormone which is injected to prevent unintended pregnancy will only last around 4-12 weeks depending on the type, so if you miss an injection you will not be protected against pregnancy.
If you are sexually active and do not currently wish to have children, you can continue having the injections to protect against pregnancy, providing you find the method suits you and you have regular check-ups with your doctor or healthcare provider.
No. There may be a delay in regaining fertility after stopping monthly injections, but in time the 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 returns a few months after the last injection. Some women may have to wait a few months before their usual bleeding pattern returns.
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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