The contraceptive injection is injected 4 times a year.
It contains progestogen, a copy of the natural hormone progesterone. It prevents pregnancy by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg.
When you stop getting the contraceptive injection, it can take up to 1 year for your fertility to return to previous levels.
The contraceptive injection does not stop you from getting or passing on sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
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How does it work?
The contraceptive injection is given by a healthcare professional once every 8 to 13 weeks, depending on the type.
If you prefer, you can choose to do one type of contraceptive injection (Sayana Press) yourself at home. A doctor or nurse can show you how to do this.
If you use the contraceptive injection for more than 2 years, have a check-up with your doctor to make sure it’s still the right contraception for you.
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Advantages
- The contraceptive injection is more than 99% effective if used correctly.
- It lasts for 8 to 13 weeks, depending on the type.
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Disadvantages
Common side effects of the contraceptive injection include:
- changes to your periods, such as periods stopping, being irregular or lasting longer. The longer you use it, the more likely it is that your periods will stop completely;
- putting on weight;
- pain, a small lump or a scar where the injection is done.
Some people report acne, lower sex drive, mood changes, hot flushes and headaches. There is not enough evidence to say if the contraceptive injection causes these.
- Where to get it?