The contraceptive injection is a convenient way for a woman to get long term birth control without the need for an implant or surgical methods. The contraceptive injection can last from 30 days to 3 months, depending on the brand and type of injection. Long term birth control allows sex to be spontaneous, and is very useful for women who have a habit of forgetting to take their birth control pills.
- Success Rate: 99.7% when used properly, 94% otherwise
- Average Cost: $35 – $75 per injection (every 3 months)
- Frequency of Use: Every 3 months (though some brands only last 30 days)
- Prescription Required?: Yes
Benefits of Contraceptive Injections:
- Long Term – Once injected, user doesn’t need to worry about contraception for 3 months
- Can be used while breastfeeding
- Can be used by women who can’t take estrogen
Negatives of Contraceptive Injections:
- Side Effects – Includes irregular bleeding as well as longer or heavier menstrual bleeding for some women. Less common side effects include lowered sex drive, lower bone density, weight gain, hair loss or increased hair on face/body, nausea, sore breasts, headaches
- Takes Time To Reverse – While the effects of the contraceptive injection are reversible, once you are injected, you have no option but to wait until the drug wears off (usually 3 months)
What Is a Contraceptive Injection?
The birth control/contraceptive injection method is a shot of of a hormone, known as progestin, into the blood. The high levels of projesterone that are injected into the body keeps the woman from ovulating, and also thickens the woman’s cervical mucus, blocking sperm from entering the uterus. It also thins the woman’s uterine lining, keeping any potential fertilized eggs from attaching.
What Types Of Contraceptive Injections Are Available?
Depo Provera Contraceptive Injection
In the United States, the most popular and only brand of contraceptive injection currently available is Depo Provera. This is probably the most common contraceptive injection worldwide, and it protects fully against pregnancy for about 12 weeks after injection.
Noristerat Contraceptive Injection
In the Uk, both Depo-provera and Noristerat are available. Noristerat is a contraceptive injection that provides protection for up to 2 months, used normally as a “short term” birth control shot while the partner is awaiting a vasectomy.
Combined Contraceptive Injection
In some countries in Latin America and Asia, combined contraceptive injections are available under the brand name Cyclofem. This is a combination of synthetic estrogen and progestin (the hormone used in Depo-provera). These hormones usually last 28-30 days. Combined contraceptive injections were available briefly in the United States in 2000, but were voluntarily recalled in 2002 due to the risk of contraceptive failure.
What Are The Contraceptive Injection Side Effects?
Most of the more common side effects of the birth control shot are mild. These include:
- Irregular bleeding
- Less frequent periods – periods may stop after about a year of use
- Some women will experience longer & heavier periods
- Increased spotting and bleeding between periods
Some of the less common side effects of the contraceptive injection are:
- Reduction in sex drive
- Change in appetite
- Weight gain
- Depression
- Sore Breasts
- Hair loss or increased hair on body or face
- Nausea
- Headache
Below are some uncommon effects that are an indication of a serious problem. Notify your health care provider immediately if you have:
- Lump in breast
- Severe Depression
- Migraine with visual aura (bright, flashing zigzags)
- Pus, pain lasting several days, bleeding from location of shot
- Yellowing of skin or the eyes
- Prolonged or unusually heavy bleeding from the vagina
Keep in mind that once the shot is given, there is no way to stop the side effects of the contraceptive injection until the effects of the injection naturally wear off, which may be up to 3-4 months. Be sure to talk to your health care provider about potential side effects if you are taking a contraceptive injection for the first time.
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