PROS OF CONTRACEPTIVE INJECTIONS
- It lasts for (13-weeks) 3 months2
- It doesn’t interrupt sex2
- You do not have to remember to take a pill every day2
- It's a birth control option for those who can't use estrogen-based contraception2
- It's safe to use while you're breastfeeding2
- It may reduce heavy, painful periods and help with premenstrual symptoms for some women2
CONS OF CONTRACEPTIVE INJECTIONS
- It’s important to have your next injection at the right time. If you miss it, or are late having the next injection you may no longer be protected from pregnancy.1
- You may experience certain side effects of hormonal contraception, like headaches, acne, hair loss, decreased sex drive and mood swings2
- Some women may put on weight2
- There can be a delay of up to 1 year before your periods return to normal and you can become pregnant2
- Your periods may change and become irregular2
- Can cause thinning of the bones, doctor may recommend that you stop after 2 years so there's no long-term effect on your bones.2
- It does not protect you against STIs2
*STI : sexually transmitted infection
YOUR FAVOURITE INJECTION
The contraceptive injection is a shot that contains hormones, either a progestin alone, or a progestin and an estrogen together, that stop your body from releasing eggs and thickens the mucus at the cervix. You need one shot either once every month or once every three months from a healthcare provider. However once injected, it is not reversible, i.e. in case of side effects it cannot be stopped. The way it works is similar to the pill, or the ring, except you don’t have to remember to take it every day or week, but it probably isn’t the best choice for those scared of needles.
HOW TO
Firstly you’re going to need to talk to your healthcare provider. As with most contraceptives, they aren’t the ideal choice for everyone so getting advice from a professional is something we always recommend. If you decide the contraceptive injection is a method you’re interested in your healthcare provider will do it for you. Then, depending on the type of shot you get, you’ll just need to go back every month or three months for another top up and you’ll be highly protected in between.
PROS / CONS
- It requires keeping track of the number of month used
- It may cause some people to suffer headaches and mood swings
- It may cause headache, weight gain, abdominal discomfort
- It may take up to one year for your period and fertility to return after stopping injection
- It may cause disrupted periods
- You may lose bone density if you get the shot for more than 2 years in a row
- Does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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.
