How does injectable contraceptive work

Other types of reversible contraception let your fertility go back to normal more quickly - if you want to get pregnant in the next 12 to 18 months it may be better to use another type of contraception. Healthcare providers' perceptions of the challenges and opportunities to engage Chinese migrant women in contraceptive counselling: a qualitative interview study Sex Health; 17 5 , Donate and support us. Talkline How does the contraceptive injection work? It also makes the mucus in the cervix thicker so that sperm can't get into the uterus each injection protects you from pregnancy for 12 weeks.

Who can use the contraceptive injection? Most women can use the contraceptive injection. You should not use the contraceptive injection if: you think you might be pregnant you plan to become pregnant soon you have unexplained bleeding from your vagina - your doctor will need to talk to you about this you have some other health conditions including a history of breast cancer or severe liver disease - your doctor will need to talk to you about this so that you can decide if it is safe for you to use The injection is not usually the recommended as the first choice for young women under 18 years and women over 45 years because it may reduce bone density in these age groups.

You can use it while breast feeding. No medications stop it from working. It is another contraceptive option if you have difficulty taking the hormone oestrogen. The Pill combined pill or oral contraceptive pill and vaginal ring NuvaRing contains oestrogen and progestogen.

The injection only contains progestogen. Your vaginal bleeding pattern period will change. Frequent or prolonged bleeding may get better with time.

Some medications can help with this bleeding, speak to your doctor or nurse for more information. There is a small drop in your bone density your bones become thinner. This is not thought to be harmful for most people, as your bone density returns once you stop the injections. These side effects often settle with time.

There are no known serious health risks from having the contraceptive injection. Reasons why the injection might not be a good option for you: It is difficult to see a doctor or nurse every 12 — 14 to have the injection. You have plans to become pregnant in the near future. Have breast cancer or have been treated for breast cancer.

Have severe liver disease. Have a number of risk factors for heart disease e. Had a previous heart attack or a stroke. What if I am late having the injection? You can stop the injection at any time. The 8 or 13 week injections are just as effective but require more or less frequent visits to a healthcare provider.

Once it is inserted you cannot remove the injection but its effects will wear off after weeks, depending on the type used. Women over the age of 50 should consider alternative methods of contraception. Women approaching the menopause should discuss their risk of osteoporosis with their health care provider.

Some research has shown Depo Provera is associated with a small loss in bone mineral density, which then returns to normal within a few years of stopping the injection.

Yes, the injectable contraception can be used safely while you are breastfeeding and will not affect your milk supply. How can we help? Works for up to 13 weeks depending on type used. Not affected by other medicines. May provide some protection against cancer of the womb and pelvic inflammatory disease.

May help with premenstrual symptoms. May reduce heavy or painful periods. Fertility returns to normal after the injection wears off. Lasts for 8,12 or 13 weeks. It also thickens the cervical mucus, which makes it difficult for sperm to move through the cervix, and thins the lining of the womb so a fertilised egg is less likely to implant itself. You usually have the Depo-Provera and Noristerat injections in your bottom, but you can have them in your upper arm.

You can have the Sayana Press injection in your tummy abdomen or thigh and would normally learn to do this yourself. You can have the injection at any time during your menstrual cycle, as long as you're not pregnant. If you have the injection during the first 5 days of your menstrual cycle, you'll be immediately protected against becoming pregnant.

If you have the injection on any other day of your cycle, you'll need to use additional contraception, such as condoms, for 7 days. You can have the contraceptive injection any time after you have given birth if you're not breastfeeding. If you're breastfeeding, the injection will usually be given after 6 weeks. You're more likely to have heavy and irregular bleeding if you have the injection during the first few weeks after giving birth.

You can have the injection immediately after a miscarriage or an abortion and will be protected against pregnancy straight away. If you have the injection more than 5 days after a miscarriage or abortion, you'll need to use additional contraception, such as condoms, for the next 7 days.

There's a small risk of infection at the site of the injection. In very rare cases, some people may have an allergic reaction to the injection. Using Depo-Provera affects your natural oestrogen levels, which can cause thinning of the bones, but it does not increase your risk of breaking a bone.

This is not a problem for most women because the bone replaces itself when you stop the injection, and it does not appear to cause any long-term problems. Sometimes the doctor may recommend that you stop after 2 years so there's no long-term effect on your bones.