Is It Okay?
CONSIDER THIS
It’s a common fear women have when contemplating an IUS. However, your doctor or nurse will give you more information on placement pain and measures to minimize it.
IT JUST TAKES A MOMENT
The contraceptive injection is a shot of hormones – either a progestin alone, or a progestin and estrogen – that stop the ovaries from releasing eggs and thicken the cervical mucus to make it harder for sperm to move. It works much in the same way as other hormonal contraception methods, such as the pill, except one shot will have an effect for 1 or 3 months, depending on the type. This means, however, that its effects are not reversible once it has been administered.
Once you have decided that the contraceptive injection is right for you, your doctor or nurse will administer it. All you have to do is remember to return on time to get the next shot, either every month or every 3 months, to make sure the injection is at its most effective. If and when you want to return to fertility, it’s worth consulting your doctor or nurse as it may be some time before you can get pregnant.
Hormones
Yes. The contraceptive injection contains hormones that are released throughout the entire body.
Ease of Use
The contraceptive injection is effective for 3 months, but it’s important to get the shot on time to maintain its efficacy.
Your Period
The contraceptive injection may cause irregular bleeding. In some cases it may cause shorter, lighter periods, or no periods at all.
What if I decide to have a baby?
Fertility may take up to a year to return after you stop having the contraceptive injection, depending on the type. However, the time it takes for periods and fertility to return to normal does vary from woman to woman.
How many contraceptive injections can you have?
If you are sexually active and find that this method of contraception works for you, you can continue having the injections every eight or thirteen weeks depending on the type.
Should the repeat injections be scheduled for when menstrual bleeding begins?
Menstrual bleeding should not guide the injection schedule. The contraceptive injection should be administered every month or every eight to thirteen weeks, depending on the type, but this schedule is not dependent on menstruation.
How long does the contraceptive injection last?
Depending on the injection you receive, it lasts between eight and 13 weeks.
Does the contraceptive injection cause weight gain?
One of the potential side effects of the contraceptive injection is weight gain.
Is there a male contraceptive injection?
Male contraceptive injections have been developed but are still in the testing phases. Currently, the only birth control methods for men include condoms, abstinence, withdrawal, and/or a vasectomy.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS? Make an appointment with your doctor or nurse today.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
10
The number of countries in which over half of all women use the injection as their main contraceptive.
> 2
years
Bone density can be lost after consecutive years of use.
Up to 1
year
The amount of time it can take for fertility to return.
- It’s effective for eight to thirteen weeks.
- Allows spontaneity and doesn’t interrupt sex.
- It requires tracking of the number of weeks it has been used, and must be administered on time to be most effective.
- Some women experience headaches, mood swings, and itching and redness at the application site.
- It does not protect against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
NEED ADVICE? SPEAK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL
Seek out an appointment with your doctor or nurse for further support that meets your needs.
