THE CONTRACEPTIVE INJECTION:

WHAT IS THE CONTRACEPTIVE INJECTION?

This is a contraceptive method whereby a progestogen hormone is injected into the muscle and is slowly released into the bloodstream. Woman only need to have an injection every two or three months.

HOW DOES THE INJECTION WORK?

·         It stops ovulation

·         It thickens the cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to penetrate the uterus.

·         The injection does not work by disrupting any existing pregnancy.

TYPES OF INJECTIONS:

NUR ISTERATE: provides contraceptive protection for 2 months.

DEPO PROVERA: provides contraceptive protection for 3 months.

HOW RELIABLE IS THE INJECTION?

The injection is more than 99 % effective.

ADVANTAGES:

·         It is very effective.

·         It provides medium to long-term pregnancy prevention.

·         It may reduce heavy painful periods and help with premenstrual symptoms in some women.

·         It does not interfere with sex.

·         There is no daily pill taking.

·         It can be used at any age or where the combined pill is contra – indicated.

·         It allows some flexibility with regard to return visits.

·         It can be used by breast feeding women.

·         It gives some protection against ovarian cysts and ectopic pregnancies.

WHEN IS THE CONTRACEPTIVE INJECTION SUITABLE?

·         When a woman does not wish to take a contraceptive pill every day.

·         When a woman has contra – indications for the combined pill.

·         When a woman is breast feeding.

·         If there is evidence of circulatory problems e.g.  hypertension, thrombosis.

·         If the woman is over 35 and smokes.

·         If the woman has diabetes.

AREAS OF CONCERN:

• The contraceptive effect of the injection cannot be immediately reversed once given. Fertility may take several months to return.
• Any temporary side effects from the medication. e.g. headaches, moodiness, nausea,  less sex drive and or acne
• The menstrual cycle may be irregular or even disappear.
• There is a chance of some weight gain during the initial stages of using the contraceptive injection. This can be remedied by eating a balanced healthy diet and increasing exercise activity.
• The contraceptive injection does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

THE INJECTABLE CONTRACEPTIVE MAY BE UNSUITABLE IF A WOMAN:

·         is already pregnant.

·         wants a baby in the next year.

·         does not want her periods to change.

·         has a history of

active liver disease.

severe migraines.

diabetes with complications.

high risk of osteoporosis.

Note: A full medical assessment needs to be undertaken to determine whether any contra indications exist.

WHEN CAN A WOMAN START USING THE CONTRACEPTIVE INJECTION?

It is preferable that the woman must start within the 1^st 5 days of her menstruation, however if she wants to start without just having a period, a pregnancy test must be done to confirm that she is not pregnant.

She will need to take extra precautions while having sexual intercourse within the first 7 days of having the injection. 

CONSIDERATIONS ABOUT USING THE CONTRACEPTIVE INJECTION.

• Although it has many of the advantages of the mini pill – it shares many of the side effects.
• A medical history needs to be given to determine whether this form of contraceptive is suitable.

The Contraceptive Injection is available at all Marie Stopes centres.

For further information or to make a confidential booking please call our

Toll Free Number: 0800 11 77 85