Contraceptive injection
What is it and how does it work?
The contraceptive injection is a very effective, long-term hormonal method of contraception. The injection contains the hormone progestogen which is injected into a muscle in the woman's body (usually in the bottom), and released very slowly into her body. Depending on the type of contraceptive injection, it will last for either 8 or 12 weeks.
The contraceptive injection works mainly by stopping a woman's ovaries releasing an egg each month. The injection also causes changes in the woman's body which make it difficult for sperm to enter the womb or for the womb to accept a fertilised egg.
What are the advantages of it?
You don't have to think about contraception for as long as the injection lasts. However, the contraceptive injection does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections, so you may need to use condoms as well. It does not interfere with sex. You can breastfeed whilst using a contraceptive injection.
Possible side effects
Some possible side effects are:
- changes in periods
- weight gain
- headaches
- acne
- tender breasts
- mood swings
- bloating.
Also, as the contraceptive injection cannot be removed from your body side effects may continue for the duration of the injection's lifetime, and for some time afterwards.
Who can use them?
Not everyone can have a contraceptive injection, and a doctor or nurse will ask you about your own, and your family's medical history. You should mention any illness or operation you have had.
Where can you get them from?
Can be given by a doctor or nurse. They will talk to you about yours and your family's medical background to consider whether you can have the injection, and should talk to you about the possible side effects of having the contraceptive injection. Make sure you ask the doctor or nurse any questions you may have. Take home any information you are given, and go back when you have made up your mind.
How effective is it?
The contraceptive injection 99% effective.
The injection can be made less effective by not having your next injection on time, or taking a prescribed medicine that effects your injection (including medicines to treat epilepsy and tuberculosis). Therefore you should always say that you are using a contraceptive injection if you are prescribed any medication.
Contacts
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Other forms of contraception:
Adapted from information produced by the FPA - www.fpa.org.uk
