The
Injectable
The
injectable contraceptive contains a progestogen hormone similar to that of
the progestogen-only pill. It is injected into a muscle and is released
very slowly into your body. It is taken every 8-12 weeks depending on the
type you have chosen.
How
effective is the injectable?
It
is highly effective, and it is extremely rare for pregnancy to occur when
injections are given regularly. It is important to report to your clinic
on the correct date for your next injection.
How
do they work?
The
injections stop your ovaries releasing an egg each month (ovulation). They
thicken the mucus from your cervix making it difficult for sperm to move
through. They also make the lining of your womb thinner so it is less
likely to accept fertilized egg.
What
are the advantages of the injectable?
-
They
provide prolonged protection
-
They
are very convenient
-
They
do not interfere with intercourse
-
They
can protect you against cancer of the womb
-
They
are useful if you cannot take the oestrogen like that in the combined
pill
-
You
can use them if you are breast feeding
What
are the disadvantages of the injectable?
-
They
may change your menstrual cycle
-
They
may cause weight gain in some women
-
The
effects may take several months to wear off
-
Repeated
injections can be uncomfortable for some women
-
They
do not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases
Are
there any side effects?
You
may experience one or more of the following side effects:
Can
anyone use the injections?
Not
everyone can use the injectable.
They
are NOT suitable for women who:
-
Are
pregnant
-
Have
cancer of the reproductive organs
-
Are very overweight
-
Have unexplained vaginal bleeding
-
Have heart problems or blood circulatory disease
-
Has liver problems
-
Has severe depression
It
is important to have regular check ups to make sure that you are fit.
When
can I start using the injectable?
You
should normally have your first injection during the first days of your
period, in which case you are immediately protected against pregnancy. If
you have the injection on any other day you will be not be protected for
the first seven days. So use another method of contraception, such as
condoms for seven days.
If
you wait until six weeks after you have given birth before you have the
injection, you will be less likely to suffer from heavy and irregular
bleeding. If you have sex during these six weeks, you will need to use
another method of contraception.
If
you do not feel well and think it may be due to the injection, report to
your FP nurse or doctor.
What
if I am late for an injection?
You
should always make an effort to keep your appointments as much as
possible. If you are late for an injection, phone or report to your clinic
as soon as possible for another appointment. You should use an additional
method of contraceptive such as condoms until you get to the clinic.
Are
there any effects on my period?
Whilst
using the injectable, you may notice a change in your monthly periods.
They may become irregular, prolonged, light, stopped altogether, or you
may experience spotting only. This is normal and is nothing to worry about
if you have not missed or been late for an injection.
If
your period becomes heavier or longer than your usual flow, you must
report to your FP nurse or doctor. This is most likely the first 6 months.
The
longer you use the injectable the scantier your periods may become until
you have no bleeding at all, because the injectable prevents the monthly
building of blood in the lining of the uterus so that there is nothing to
come away
What
else should I know?
It
is safe to breast feed while using the injectable. The milk may improve in
amount, quality and duration. There are no known effects on the body. Your
appetite may increase. In order to avoid weight gains cut down on starchy
and oily foods and eat more vegetables and fruits and exercise more.
If your weight continues to go up ask your nurse or doctor to refer you to
professional help.
What
if I have to take other medicines?
Certain
medicines can make the injectable less effective, so check with your
doctor or FP nurse if you are asked to take any other medication. If the
medicine affects the injectable, you may need to have your injection
earlier than normal. If you become ill or you need an operation let the
nurse or doctor know that you are using the contraceptive injectable.
Important
Very
rarely certain conditions develop. See your FP nurse or doctor at once if
you experience any of the following:
-
Painful
swelling of the calf
-
Severe
pain in the chest or stomach
-
Breathless
or cough with blood stain sputum
-
A
bad fainting attack or collapsed
-
Unusual
headache or disturbance of speech or eyesight
-
Numbness
or weakness of a limb
What
if I want to have a baby?
It
may take several months from your last injection before you can become
pregnant, so inform your FP nurse if you plan to become pregnant so that
she can advise you about stopping this method.
At
your family planning clinic:
Feel
free to ask your nurse or doctor for any further advice or information. It
is important that you attend your clinic regularly, keeping your
appointments as far as possible and asking for a new appointment if you
miss one.
Sexually
Transmitted Diseases (STD)
 .
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