Contraceptive Injection

The contraceptive injection is a progesterone only method that is administered every 13-14 weeks. Therefore, you do not need to worry about taking your contraception daily like you would do with the contraceptive pill. The contraceptive injection can either be by a health professional or given by yourself as a subcutaneous injection.

No, the contraceptive injection cannot be used as emergency contraception as it will not prevent a pregnancy. The most effective way to prevent an unplanned pregnancy is to have a copper intra-uterine device fitted.

The contraceptive injection comes as a white fluid either to be given as an intramuscular injection (into a large muscle) or by subcutaneious injection (just under the skin).

In the UK, the methods used have a licence to be used every 13 weeks to conitnue the effectiveness. The Faculty of Sexual Health and Reproduction (FSRH) also advise it can be used upto 14 weeks with good contraceptive cover. The injection will continue to provide cover as long as you adher to the schedual and not miss any doses. If you have the injection administered in the first 5 days of a cycle, you are covered for contraception straight away. You can have the dose anywhwere in your cycle as long as we are happy there is no pregnancy risk. In this situation, the injection will take 7 days to work.

The contraceptive injection is highly effective, with a success rate of over 99% when used correctly. This means that fewer than 1 in 100 women who use the injection as their form of contraception will become pregnant in a year.

Yes, the contraceptive injection can lose its effectiveness if injections are not administered on schedule, every 14 weeks. It’s also worth noting that certain medications can reduce its effectiveness, so always keep your clinician informed about any changes in your medication regimen.

While the contraceptive injection is highly effective, no contraceptive method is 100%. The main reason for failure is not getting the injection on time. Other rare factors might include certain medications that interfere with the injection’s effectiveness. Always discuss with your clinician about any new medications you’re taking.

Yes, the contraceptive injection will eventually stop working after its effective period has expired, which is typically after 14 weeks. It’s crucial to adhere to the schedule for reinjection to ensure continuous protection against pregnancy.

The contraceptive injection can have some side effects, which vary from person to person. Common side effects include headaches, acne, mood swings, weight gain, and changes in libido. Some people may also experience injection site reactions like pain, irritation, or swelling. It’s important to remember that while these can be uncomfortable, most side effects tend to decrease over time.

The contraceptive injection can significantly affect your periods. Many people find that their periods become irregular, lighter, or may even stop altogether while using the injection. This is because the hormones in the injection can thin the lining of your uterus, making periods less frequent or heavy. For some, this is a benefit, but if you’re concerned about any changes in your menstrual cycle, it’s a good idea to speak with your clinician.

It’s a common concern, but the contraceptive injection is not known to cause long-term fertility issues. After stopping the injections, it might take a while for your fertility to return to its usual pattern, sometimes up to a year. This delay is not an indication of decreased fertility but rather the time it takes for the hormones to leave your system and for your menstrual cycle to return to normal.

Offensive discharge is not a typical side effect of the contraceptive injection. If you experience this, it might be unrelated and could be a sign of an infection or another condition. It’s very important to see your clinician for an evaluation to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

There’s no conclusive evidence to suggest that the contraceptive injection directly causes cancer. Some studies have looked into potential links between hormonal contraception and cancer risk, with mixed results. The current understanding is that while there may be slight changes in risk for certain types of cancer, the overall risk is very low. Always discuss your personal and family health history with your clinician to make the best choice for you.

In addition to being a highly effective method of contraception, the contraceptive injection can lead to lighter periods or even stop them altogether, which some may find beneficial. It can also provide some protection against pelvic inflammatory disease, and may reduce the risk of endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer.

Possible risks of using the contraceptive injection include potential bone density loss with long-term use, delayed return to fertility after stopping the injections, mood changes and weight gain. It’s important to have a conversation with your clinician about your health history and any concerns you have to determine if the injection is the right choice for you.

The Contraceptive Injection is suitable for individuals who want an effective method without having to worry about taking something every day. The injection is part of a group of contraceptives called Long acting reversible contraception (LARC). If someone was considering a pregnancy in the near future, then other methods may be more appropriate in this situation.

Certain health conditions might make the Contraceptive Injection less suitable, including a history of breast cancer, unexplained vaginal bleeding, significant liver disease, or if you’re at high risk for osteoporosis. It’s important to discuss your full medical history with your clinician to ensure it’s safe for you.

The Contraceptive Injection can affect menstrual cycles and symptoms in various ways. Some individuals may experience irregular bleeding or spotting, especially in the first few months. Over time, periods may become lighter or stop altogether. It can also alleviate menstrual cramps and premenstrual symptoms for some.

While the Contraceptive Injection is effective for short-term planning, its long-term use (beyond two years) requires careful consideration due to potential effects on bone density. It’s essential to discuss the benefits and risks with your clinician to make an informed decision. The Injection does affect bone density, so a check in every 2 years is important to ensure it is still the method of choice and that medical history hasn’t changed.

Yes, the Contraceptive Injection can be used immediately after childbirth or while breastfeeding. It’s considered safe and does not affect milk production. However, it’s usually recommended to wait until six weeks postpartum to ensure there’s no interference with the natural hormonal adjustments after birth. The contraceptive Injection can be used straight after delivery to ensure and effective method. One side effect is that it can cause a persistence of the bleeding after delivery, but doesn’t affect how this works.

Lifestyle factors such as smoking or being significantly overweight may influence the suitability of the Contraceptive Injection. Smoking, especially in women over 35, increases the risk of cardiovascular issues. Being overweight might slightly reduce the effectiveness of the injection. Being underweight can also be an issue regarding bone density especially if your BMI is under 19, so it’s important to discuss these factors with your clinician.

Age can impact the suitability and effectiveness of the Contraceptive Injection. It’s generally considered safe for women of reproductive age. However, for those under 18, there’s a concern about potential impacts on bone density, and for those over 35 who smoke, there’s an increased risk of cardiovascular problems. If a risk/benefit discussion has taken place, then the contraceptive injection is suitable for women up until the age of 50 years.

To start or switch to the Contraceptive Injection, you’ll need a consultation with your clinician. They’ll review your medical history and perform necessary assessments to ensure it’s suitable for you. The injection is typically given within the first five days of your menstrual cycle to ensure you’re not pregnant and to provide immediate protection. However, It can be started anywhere in your cycle as long as you use additional contraception for 7 days until it becomes effective. We can also quick start and injectable method, if there has been a risk of pregnancy as long as the individual is aware of how to proceed if they do become pregnant.

The effects of the Contraceptive Injection are not immediately reversible, as it can take some time for fertility to return after the last injection. It may take up to 10 months (or longer for some individuals) to conceive after stopping the injections. Planning ahead with your clinician is key if you’re considering conceiving in the future.

The Contraceptive Injection can interact with certain medications or supplements, potentially affecting its effectiveness. These include medications for epilepsy, tuberculosis, and HIV, among others. It’s crucial to inform your clinician about all medications and supplements you’re taking to avoid unwanted interactions.

The main contraceptive injection is the Depo-Provera, which is given every three months. There’s also a newer option called Sayana Press, which is similar to Depo-Provera but can be self-administered.

Both contraceptive injections provide exactly the same levels of effectiveness.

Finding the right contraceptive injection for you involves considering several factors, including your health history, how often you want to receive the injection, and potential side effects. It’s a personal decision that you should make with your clinician, who can offer guidance tailored to your specific situation.

Depo-Provera and Sayana Press users might experience changes in menstrual patterns, weight gain, or bone density loss over time.

Contraceptive injections are not recommended for women who are planning to become pregnant soon after stopping the injection, have unexplained vaginal bleeding, or have certain health conditions like breast cancer. Age can also be a factor, especially for adolescents or women approaching menopause, due to the potential impact on bone density.

Switching between types of contraceptive injection is possible, but it’s important to do so under the guidance of your clinician. They can help ensure the transition is smooth and that you’re continuously protected against pregnancy.

Depo-Provera and Sayana Press typically protect against pregnancy for about 14 weeks, requiring injections four times a year. Noristerat is usually effective for about 8 weeks. Your clinician can help you keep track of when you’re due for your next injection to maintain its effectiveness.

Yes, the effects of contraceptive injections are reversible, but it may take some time for fertility to return to normal. It can vary from woman to woman, but it’s possible to experience a delay in becoming pregnant for up to 10-12 months after the last injection.

Yes, they can. For example, certain medications may decrease the effectiveness of contraceptive injections, and some medical conditions may make certain types of injections less suitable. It’s crucial to inform your clinician about any medications you’re taking or any health conditions you have so they can recommend the best contraceptive option for you.