The contraceptive injection contains a progestogen hormone, this is very similar to the natural hormone that women produce, pregesterone.

Currently there are 2 types of contraceptive injections, the first is called Noristerat and protects you for 8 weeks, the second is called Depo-Provera and protects you for 12 weeks.

The injection is over 99% effective.

About the contraceptive injection

The injection works by stopping eggs from being released by your ovaries, they also make it harder for sperm to reach an egg and finally they thinen the lining of the womb to make it harder for an egg to settle.

You can get the contraceptive injection free from any doctors or sexual health clinic, however the injection can only be given by a doctor or nurse and is not available over the counter.

You are normally injected in the bottom and once you have had the injection you will be protected for 8 or 12 weeks depending on which injection you had.  You will need to have the injection again after 8 weeks if you had Noristerat or 12 weeks if you had Depo-Provera.

Advantages

• you don’t have to worry about contraception for a while.
• it wont interrupt sex.
• other medicines will not affect its effectiveness.
• it can help reduce heavy periods.
• it is a good alternative for those who cannot use the combined pill.

Dis-advantages

• irregular bleeding can continue for months after you stop using it.
• you may put on weight whilst on the injection.
• once in the injection cannot be removed until it stops working after 8 or 12 weeks.
• periods and fertility may take some time to return to normal.
• you are not protected against sexually transmitted diseases.

Although research in continuing, initial research suggest that the contraceptive injection can have a negative effect on your bones and also can increase your chance of breast cancer.

The injection can also cause your periods to completely stop, this does not mean that you are pregnant.