Injections

CONTRACEPTIVE INJECTIONS

Depo Provera is the most commonly used contraceptive injection. It is 99% effective.

How does it work?

• It stops any eggs being released from your ovaries
• It thickens the mucus in the neck of your uterus
• It has an effect on the lining of your uterus, making it hostile to a fertilised egg.

Each injection lasts for 12 weeks; the first injection should be given by day 5 of your period. Your injection will be less effective if you do not have your next injection on time.

After a baby it is advisable to wait until 6 weeks after to start the injection, if you start earlier it could result in increased bleeding.

Medication that treats epilepsy and tuberculosis may mean you need a shorter gap in-between your injection

Any medication you can buy over the counter in the UK will not effect the in the UK

Advantages of Depo Provera

They are long acting and you only have to arrange an injection every 12 weeks, you need to write down the date you had the injection and record the date of the next injection

They are very effective method if you cannot take oestrogens.

You can use them if you are breastfeeding

Disadvantages of Depo Provera

Your bleeding pattern can be heavier at first; eventually your period may become infrequent or stop altogether. This is not harmful

Irregular bleeding may continue for some months after stopping the injection, it can take 6 to 8 months after your last injections for your periods to return back to normal.
This will usually result in a delay in return of your fertility. It does not cause infertility.

Some women complain of increase appetite, this can result in weight gain

Possible side effects include headaches, acne, tender breasts, mood swings and bloating

Research has been ongoing, as potentially there may be a risk of as this may increase risk of osteoporosis. (This is bone loss, which some women suffer from after the menopause) This research so far has been conflicting.

Once the injection has been given it cannot be removed from your body, so if you experience any side effects they will last as long as the injection last and may be for many weeks afterwards.

Information needed prior to starting your injectable method

• 1st date of your last period, or date of your last injection
• Any medication you are on
• Any present illnesses or you are being investigated for any illnesses
• Past illness including cancer of breast cancer or cancer of the uterus.
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding especially before of after sex
• Heart Attack or Stroke
• Deep Venous Thrombosis or Pulmonary Embolism
• Active Liver Disease
• Severe depression