Contraceptive Injection: How It Works and What to Expect

The contraceptive injection is also called Depo. As mentioned above, it is an injection of progestogen (a class of steroid hormones that activate and attach to progesterone receptors) hormone. Progestogen is similar to the hormone produced by the ovaries. Contraceptive injections (Depo-Provera, Sayana Press and Noristerat) release progesterone hormones into your blood vessels to prevent pregnancy. If these injections are used correctly, then they are 99 percent effective. Its effect lasts for 8 to 13 weeks, so you do not have to think about contraception every day.

This is most useful for women who have to remember to take contraceptive pills every day. In this, you only have to keep in mind how long the effect of this injection will last. It is also useful for women who cannot use contraceptives containing estrogen.

(Read more - myths about contraceptive pills)

Contraceptive injection is given from time to time to prevent pregnancy in women. It has the following three types -

• Depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA)

This is the most common type of contraceptive injection which is used everywhere. Its 150 mg injection is given once in three months. In India it is called Depo-Provera.

• Norethindrone Enanthate (NET-EN)

The 200 mg dose of this injection is given once in 2 months. It is not available in India right now.

• Combined estrogen and progestin

It is also called monthly injection. It is known as Cyclofem, Cyclo Provera and Mesigyn. All these are once-a-monthly injections that contain 25 mg of depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate and 5 mg of estradiol cypionate. These are also not available in India yet.

Read More - (After taking the unwanted kit when periods will come?)

Usually Depo-Provera and Noristerat injections are given on the hip but if you want, you can also get them on your arm. Saina Press injection can be given on the stomach or thigh. You can also learn to give these injections yourself but keep in mind that contraceptive injections should be used only after consulting a doctor.

You can get these injections anytime during the menstrual cycle, as long as you are not pregnant. If you get the injection in the first five days of your menstrual cycle, you will not get pregnant. If you get the injection on any other day of the menstrual cycle, you will also have to use additional contraception for 7 days, such as condoms.

(Read more - Condoms: types, how to use)

The benefits of contraceptive injection are as follows -

• It does not cause any problem in having sex. 
• You do not have to remember to take the pill every day.
• The effect of each injection lasts for 8 to 13 weeks.
• This injection is safe even if you are breastfeeding your child. 
• It is also not affected by other medicines.
• It reduces painful menstruation and excessive bleeding and also helps in the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
• If you cannot use estrogen-based contraceptives, then this is the right solution for you. 

Read More - (Infertility: symptoms, causes, prevention)

The disadvantages of contraceptive injection are as follows -

• Any side effect may last as long as the effect of the injection lasts or may last longer than that.
• It may take up to a year for your menstrual cycle to return to normal and for you to become pregnant.
• Changes in your menstrual cycle may cause irregular menstruation, heavy bleeding, very light, scanty menstruation or a complete stop. This effect may last for a few months even after you stop taking the injection.
• It does not protect you from STDs.
• You may also have effects such as acne, mood swings, decreased sex drive, hair loss and headaches.
• Some people may have a problem of weight gain after taking Depo-Provera or Sayana Press injection.
• Contraceptive Injection Price in Hindi: Contraceptive Injection price in Hindi
• In India, only Depo-Provera contraceptive injection is available, which costs around Rs 250-300.
• If you want, you can take advantage of the scheme to provide contraceptives started by the Government of India. Earlier five types of contraceptives were included under this, but now the government has also included injections in it, which will be made available for free.

Read More - (Hormone Therapy: types, benefits)

Contraceptive injection is an effective and long-term contraceptive method, which prevents pregnancy using progesterone hormone. This injection is usually given once every three months and is administered by a doctor or health worker. The injection prevents ovulation, which prevents the production of an egg, and thickens the cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg. This method is useful for women who want to avoid the hassle of taking daily pills. However, it can have some side effects, such as changes in menstrual cycle, weight gain, headaches, and mood swings. It is important to consult a doctor before starting to use the contraceptive injection, to get information about its suitability and possible side effects.