HowUKnow - Contraceptive Injection

REGIMEN

Every 1-3 months

EFFICACY TYPICAL USE

The contraceptive injection is a shot that contains hormones, either a progestin alone, or a combination of progestin and an estrogen, that stops your body from releasing eggs and thickens the cervical mucus. This method requires you to receive a shot from a healthcare provider either once a month or every three months. However once injected, it is irreversible; side effects from the injection cannot be stopped once they manifest.

USAGE
As with most contraceptives, contraceptive injections are not the ideal choice for everyone so getting advice from a professional is always recommended. Depending on the type of shot you get, you will need to go back every month or every three months for another shot and you’ll be highly protected in between.

Reference: http://www.fpa.org.uk/contraception-help/your-guide-contraception
Accessed on September 6, 2016

PROS

Lasts for one up to three months
Does not require daily or weekly attention
Allows sexual spontaneity and doesn’t interrupt sex
May reduce heavy and painful periods for some women
An alternative to those affected by the hormone estrogen
Can be used when breastfeeding

CONS

Requires keeping track of the number of months used
May cause some people to suffer headaches and mood swings
May cause headache, weight gain, abdominal discomfort
May take up to one year for your period and fertility to return after stopping injection
May disrupt menstruation
Bone density loss if you get the shot for more than two (2) years in a row
Does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)