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CONTRACEPTION INJECTION

What are Contraception Injections ?

Injections use a progestogen hormone. This is injected into a muscle and is released very slowly into your body. Once you have an injection you are protected from pregnancy for a long time. There are two types of contraceptive injection. Depo-Provera is the most commonly used contraceptive injection. It protects you against pregnancy for 12 weeks. The other injection, Noristerat, gives contraceptive protection for 8 weeks. Not everyone can have an injection and your doctor will need to ask you about your own and your family's medical history.

How do Contraception Injections work ?

They stop your ovaries releasing an egg each month (ovulation). They also thicken the mucus at the entrance of the womb (cervix). This makes it difficult for sperm to move through it and reach an egg. They also make the lining of your womb thinner so it is less likely to accept a fertilised egg.

How effective are Contraception Injections ?

Over 99% effective. This means that less than 1 woman in 100 will get pregnant in a year.

What are the advantages of Contraception Injections ?

You don't have to think about contraception for as long as the injection lasts and it does not interfere with sex. You can breastfeed if you have contraceptive injections and they are useful if you cannot take oestrogens, like those in the combined pill. They give you some protection against cancer of the womb and some protection against pelvic inflammatory disease.

What are the disadvantages of Contraception Injections?

Your periods will probably change. At first, bleeding can be irregular and may last for longer than usual. Or your periods may stop altogether. A few women have frequent light bleeding. This may be a nuisance but is not harmful. Irregular bleeding may continue for some months after you stop the injections. See your doctor if you are worried. Some women put on weight when they use Depo-Provera. Other possible side-effects include headaches, acne, tender breasts, mood swings and bloating. 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. Your periods, and fertility, will usually take a few months to return after stopping Depo-Provera injections. Sometimes it can take more than a year for your periods and fertility to get back to normal. Studies are looking at whether using Depo-Provera for a long time reduces oestrogen levels, as this may increase the risk of osteoporosis (this is bone loss which some women suffer from after the menopause.) Current research is conflicting. Contraceptive injections do not protect you against sexually transmitted infections, so you may have to use condoms as well.

How are Contraception Injections used?

You will usually be given an injection on the first day of your period or during the first five days of your period. If you have an injection on days one to five, you will be immediately protected against becoming pregnant. If you have the injection on any other day you will not be protected for the first seven days. So use another method of contraception, such as condoms, for seven days. If you wait until six weeks after you have given birth before you have the injection, you will be less likely to have heavy and irregular bleeding. If you have sex during these six weeks, you will need to use another method of contraception. You can breastfeed if you have a contraceptive injection. The hormone is injected into a muscle, usually in your bottom. Noristerat is a thicker solution than Depo-Provera so this injection may be slightly more painful. If you want to carry on using this method of contraception, you will need to have injections every eight weeks if you have Noristerat, or every 12 weeks if you have Depo-Provera.

Can anything make Contraception Injections less effective?

Your injection may be less effective if you don't have your next injection on time, or 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.