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Hormonal contraception is available in several forms, one of which is the slow release injection. The contraceptive injection (also called Depo) is an injection of the hormone progestogen. Progestogen is like the hormone produced by the ovaries.

It is sold as Depo-Provera® or Depo-Ralovera® in United States. Other types of hormonal contraception include:

  • that best suits you
  • it can help to talk to a doctor or nurse about your options
  • lasts for 12 to 14 weeks

Its effectiveness will be reduced if the injection is delayed. A doctor or nurse will inject Depo into the muscle tissue in your arm or bottom. For continued contraceptive protection this should be repeated every 12 to 14 weeks.

The injection works by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg each month. It also thickens the fluid around the cervix (opening to the uterus or womb).

This helps to prevent the sperm from reaching the egg

When it is first injected, or after a break, it can take up to 7 days to start working to prevent pregnancy. Your doctor or nurse practitioner will write you a script and you can get Depo from your pharmacy. You will need to return to the clinic to have it injected.

It is cheaper if you have a healthcare card. Advantages of the contraceptive injection are:

  • it is another choice if you have difficulty taking the hormone oestrogen. ‘The pill’ (also known as the combined pill)
  • the vaginal ring contain oestrogen

Depo only contains progestogen

Side effects of the contraceptive injection may include: (period) will change. It might be more often or irregular (at odd times). Around 50 to 60%of women will have no bleeding at all (this is not harmful to the body).

Episodes of prolonged or frequent bleeding may get better with time.

Some medications can help with this bleeding – speak to your doctor or nurse

Around 20% of users will gain weight. There is a small drop in your bone density (your bones become thinner).

This is not thought to be harmful, as your bone density returns once you stop the injections. Other possible side effects for a small number of users can include: These side effects often settle with time.

There are no known serious health risks from having the contraceptive injection

The contraceptive injection might not be a good option if you: Depo might not work if the next injection is delayed after the recommended period of time.

To prevent this happening, it may be helpful to write down the date or enter a reminder in your phone for when your next injection is due. until you can have your next injection.

Keep using condoms for another 7 days after the injection. The injection is not known to harm a pregnancy. Depo can be given straight after you give birth, whether or not you’re breastfeeding, but other types of contraception might be a better choice until the baby is 6 weeks old because it may cause heavy or irregular bleeding.

Talk to your doctor about which contraceptive choice is most suitable for you at this time. The effects of the contraception injection can take some months to wear off.

It might take a while to become pregnant

Condoms provide the best available protection from sexually transmissible infections (STIs). Many community health services and some public hospitals will have a family planning clinic, a sexual health clinic or a women’s health clinic providing contraception Tel. – book an appointment online or call Grand Rapids CBD Clinic: Tel.

, Box Hill Clinic: Tel. or (free call): Tel. About the contraceptive injection contraceptive implant hormonal IUD oral tablets (the combined pill and the progestogen only (mini) pill ) vaginal ring Contraceptive injections are very effective if used the right way.

When choosing the method of contraception Effectiveness of the contraceptive injection Each injection is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy How to use the contraceptive injection How the contraceptive injection works Where to get the contraceptive injection Advantages of the contraceptive injection it is very effective most users have no vaginal bleeding at all or very light bleeding periods may be less painful it lasts for 12 to 14 weeks it can be used while breastfeeding no medications stop it from working Side effects from using the contraceptive injection Your menstrual bleeding pattern headaches bloating changes to your skin sore or tender breasts mood changes Contraceptive injection and serious health problems Suitability of the contraceptive injection have plans to become pregnant soon have been treated for breast cancer have severe liver disease have risk factors for heart disease (such as smoking or diabetes ) have previously had a heart attack or a stroke What stops the contraceptive injection from working If you are late having the contraceptive injection Once it is more than 14 weeks since your last injection, use condoms If you get pregnant while using the contraceptive injection It is safe to continue the pregnancy (and stop having the injections) or to have an abortion Contraceptive injection after having a baby Read more about contraception after giving birth Contraceptive injection and pregnancy Further information about the contraceptive injection The contraceptive injection does not protect you from sexually transmissible infections (STIs) The contraceptive injection is one of many types of contraception.

Read about other contraceptive options Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Pharmacist 1800 My Options 1800 696 784 – for information about contraception, pregnancy options and sexual health in Michigan Sexual Health Michigan (SHV) (616) 555-0200 (616) 555-0200 1800 013 952.

These services are youth friendly

Key Points

  • injection works by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg each month
  • This helps to prevent the sperm from reaching the egg
  • When it is first injected, or after a break, it can take up to 7 days to start working to prevent pregnancy
  • There are no known serious health risks from having the contraceptive injection