To avoid getting pregnant, use a contraceptive injectable (Depo-Provera, Sayana Press, or Noristerat).
The injectable used for contraception is 99% effective when administered properly. This indicates that 1 in 100 injection users will become pregnant within a year.
In real-world settings, the rate of pregnancy among individuals who neglect to obtain their next injection is approximately 6 out of 100 per year (94% effective).
It offers no defense against STIs, or sexually transmitted illnesses.
How The Contraceptive Injection Works
By releasing progestogen, the injection avoids pregnancy.
Stops you from ovulating, or releasing an egg.
Makes an egg harder for sperm to access
Reduces the likelihood that an egg will adhere to the womb lining by thinneing it
Injections come in 3 varieties in the UK.
Depo-Provera
This is for thirteen weeks. This injection is typically placed in your buttocks. It could occasionally be in your upper arm.
An injection of this kind is administered by a nurse or doctor.
Sayana Press
This is for thirteen weeks. This injection is typically administered in the front of the thigh or lower abdomen.
Usually, you have to learn how to give yourself this injection.
Noristerat
These run for eight weeks. This injection is typically placed in your buttocks. It could occasionally be in your upper arm.
It’s often only used temporarily, such while your partner is awaiting a vasectomy.
An injection of this kind is administered by a nurse or doctor.
When It Starts To Work
As long as you are not pregnant, you can have the injection whenever you choose during your menstrual cycle.
In the event that it occurs within the first five days of your cycle, you will become pregnant-resistant right away.
If it occurs on any other day of your cycle, you should take extra protection for seven days, such as condoms.
After Giving Birth
After giving delivery, you are free to have the contraceptive injection whenever you choose.
You will be safeguarded against pregnancy if you begin injections on day 21 following the birth or earlier.
You will need to take supplementary contraception, such as condoms, for seven days if you begin injections after day 21.
After a Miscarriage or Abortion
After an abortion or miscarriage, the injection can be given immediately. You will immediately be protected from becoming pregnant.
You will require supplementary contraception for seven days if you receive the injection more than five days following an abortion or miscarriage.
Who Can Use the Injection?
The contraceptive infection is safe for most individuals to use, while some people may not be a good fit. You will discuss this with your physician or nurse.
You shouldn’t use the injection if you:
Believe you could be expecting.
Do not want to alter your menstrual cycle.
Wish to become parents within the next year.
Experience bleeding following sex or in between cycles.
Possess arterial disease or a history of stroke or heart disease.
Possess liver illness.
Possess breast cancer or have previously had it.
Are susceptible to osteoporosis.
What if I’m taking other medicines?
Other medications have no effect on the contraceptive injection.
Side effects of the injection
Side effects are possible with the contraceptive injection. Before determining if it’s the right choice for you, thoroughly evaluate these.
Disrupted periods
During the first year of utilizing the injection, you may notice major changes in your periods. Usually, they will become erratic, maybe becoming very heavy, shorter and lighter, or ceasing to exist entirely. After the first year, this might stop, but it might still happen as long as the progestogen injection stays in your body.
When you stop using the injection, it may take some time for your periods and natural fertility to return. If you’re trying to get pregnant, you might need to wait longer for your periods to start normally.
It is hard to tell when you are most fertile unless you are ovulating on a regular basis each month. Your menstrual cycle may not return to normal for three months to a year in certain situations.
Weight gain
When using the contraceptive injectable, you may gain weight, especially if you are overweight and have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more and you are under 18 years old.
Other side effects
Other adverse reactions that some users mention include:
- Headaches
- Acne
- Breast tenderness
- Mood changes
- Loss of sex drive
Benefits of Using the Injection
The following are some advantages of the contraceptive injection:
The injection is an alternative if you are unable to use oestrogen-containing contraception, such as the combination pill, contraceptive patch, or vaginal ring. Each injection lasts for either 8 or 13 weeks and does not interfere with sexual activity.
The injection is safe to use while breastfeeding and is unaffected by other medications, so you don’t need to remember to take it every day.
For some women, the injection may aid with premenstrual symptoms and lessen heavy, painful periods.
The injection provides some protection against womb cancer as well as against pelvic inflammatory illness, as the cervix’s mucus may prevent microorganisms from entering the womb.
Risks of using the Injection
The skin area where the injection was made may occasionally get contaminated. In the event that this occurs, antibiotics may be used in addition to cleaning.
Rarely, a person may experience an allergic reaction to the injection.
When using Sayana Press, some ladies experience injection-site dimples.
Your oestrogen levels may be affected by Depo-Provera. If you stop using the injection, the modest bone weakening that may result from this can be reversed. Your chance of breaking a bone is not increased by this.
This is something you should discuss with your physician or nurse prior to beginning the contraceptive injection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the contraceptive injection is a very successful birth control treatment that gives those who want to avoid unintended births convenience and privacy. Its long-acting properties, which usually last for several months, make it a good choice for people looking for a consistent method of birth control that doesn’t require daily monitoring. Even though this procedure works, those thinking about using it should speak with medical specialists to assess any possible adverse effects and make sure it’s right for their particular situation. Like with any method of contraception, making educated decisions and scheduling routine medical check-ups are essential to guaranteeing its continuous safety and efficacy in addressing the various reproductive health needs of people all over the world.