The contraceptive injection contains the hormone progestogen and offers medium term prevention of pregnancy. It is the fifth most popular method of contraception in the UK.
*for typical use (effectiveness for perfect use 99%)
**lighter over time (70% people won’t bleed at all by the end of the first year)
There are 3 types of injection available in the UK:
A doctor, nurse or clinician will inject you, either in the muscle of your bottom or upper arm (Depo Provera/Noristerat), or into the skin of the thigh or abdomen (Sayana Press). Sayana Press may be administered by a healthcare professional (HCP) or, when considered appropriate by the HCP, self-injected by the patient, with medical follow-up as necessary in accordance with local clinical guidance.
Once you’ve had the injection, you don't have to think about contraception for the specified period, though you should make a note of when it will wear off.
The injection prevents pregnancy by:
The contraceptive injection does not protect you from STIs. You should use a condom as well if you think you are at risk of an STI.
It can take up to one year for your fertility and periods to return to normal after the injection wears off, so it may not be suitable if you want to have a baby in the near future.
Most women can use the contraceptive injection, but your clinician will ask about your family and medical history to determine whether or not it is the best method for you.
The injection is not suitable for women who:
It may not be suitable for women who have or have had certain health conditions.
Common
Short term:
Weight gain, headaches, mood swings, breast tenderness and irregular bleeding.
Long term:
Periods may become more irregular or longer, or stop altogether. By the end of the first year of injection use 70% of women are having no bleeding at all.
Rare
Short term:
Allergic reaction to the injection is possible but rare.
Risk of a small infection at the site of the injection is rare.
Long term:
Using Depo Provera affects your natural oestrogen levels, which can cause thinning of the bones if used for an extended time.
Irregular bleeding may continue for some months after you stop the injections.
The hormone in the injection prevents you ovulating and going through a normal menstrual cycle.
If you have the injection during the first 5 days of your period, you will be immediately protected against becoming pregnant.
If you have the injection on any other day of your cycle, you will not be protected against pregnancy for up to 7 days. Use condoms or another method of contraception during this time.
If you think your next injection is late, use condoms until you know that your injection is definitely protecting you again.
If you have had unprotected sex and are worried you may need to use emergency contraception.
There are 2 types of injections available from Sexual Health Dorset: Depo Provera and Sayana Press. With Depo Provera you need to see us every 13 weeks to have a new injection. With Sayana Press you can manage these at home for up to a year after a full assessment.
Once it is inserted you cannot remove the injection but its effects will wear off after 8-13 weeks, depending on the type used.
It can take up to one year for your fertility and periods to return to normal after the injection wears off, so it may not be suitable if you want to have a baby in the near future.
Irregular bleeding may also continue for some months after you stop the injections.
It is similar to getting any other injection such as pre-travel vaccinations.
Women over the age of 50 should consider alternative methods of contraception. Women approaching the menopause should discuss their risk of osteoporosis with their healthcare 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 after having a baby.
Yes, the injectable contraception can be used safely while you are breastfeeding and will not affect your milk supply.
The injection may not be suitable if you have or have had any of the following:
Speak to your clinician about whether it is suitable for you.
To make an appointment or for further advice, please call:
0300 303 1948
Phoneline open 08:15-16:45 Monday-Friday
(closed 12:30-13:30 for lunch)
