Contraceptive Injection

How effective?

The contraceptive injection is over 99% effective. Less than one in 100 women will get pregnant in a year.

How it works

The contraceptive injection releases progestogen slowly into the body. This stops ovulation, thickens cervical mucus to prevent fertilisation and thins the lining of the uterus to prevent an egg implanting.

Advantages

Depo Provera lasts for 12 weeks. It may protect against cancer of the uterus and offers some protection from pelvic inflammatory disease. You don’t have to think about contraception for as long as the injection works.

Disadvantages

Periods may stop, be irregular or longer. Periods and fertility may take time to return after stopping the injections. Some women gain weight. Other possible side effects include headaches, spotty skin, mood changes, breast tenderness and change in libido

Comments

The injection cannot be removed from the body so any side effects may continue for as long as it works and for some time afterwards. Not affected by other medicines