Due to the professional and daily routine of most women around the world, the search for simpler methods that require less attention for use has been increasing every day. The contraceptive pill is still at the top of the list for being more affordable in terms of cost, but it certainly loses its spot when it comes to practicality compared to the contraceptive injection.

What is the Contraceptive Injection?

The contraceptive injection is a hormonal shot that can be made of progesterone or a combination of progesterone and estrogen. Its purpose is the same as that of oral contraceptives, which is to prevent ovulation from occurring normally, and it also thickens the cervical mucus, blocking sperm from reaching the uterine cavity, thus creating two layers of protection.

Aside from the hormonal differences in its composition, there are two types of contraceptive injections: monthly and quarterly. It should be administered in pharmacies and drugstores, only with the administration of a healthcare professional. It is the best option for women who have difficulty adhering to daily methods, since there is no need to remember to take it every day. Just mark the next application date on your calendar, and if necessary, set an alarm on your phone so you don’t forget.

How Does the Contraceptive Injection Work in the Body?

Many women have questions about how the contraceptive injection works, especially because you take the injection on one day and will be protected for a month, or in the case of the quarterly shot, three months, from an unwanted pregnancy? But how does this method work in the female body?

The contraceptive injection formula contains long-acting hormonal doses, which provide daily release of the hormone, preventing the ovulatory cycle from occurring naturally. The planned release mimics daily use, which is why it results in the same function as oral methods.

The application method for both types is intramuscular, preferably in the gluteal muscle. The monthly contraceptive injection combines estrogen and progestogen, while the quarterly version is based on progesterone alone, which is recommended for those who cannot use estrogen.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using the Contraceptive Injection

Like any method, there are advantages and disadvantages to its use, and so we will list them so you can weigh your options and decide if it’s what you’re looking for. Obviously, each body reacts differently, and the best thing is always to test under the guidance and recommendation of your gynecologist.

Advantages of Using the Contraceptive Injection

  • At the top of the list of advantages is the convenience of having it administered once a month or every three months, depending on which injectable method is chosen, and of course, the long-lasting effect, which allows for a worry-free sex life.
  • The second advantage is that there is no need for daily monitoring or concern about missing a dose or skipping a day, which could decrease contraceptive effectiveness.
  • The third advantage is that, with the use of the contraceptive injection, many women report a reduction in menstrual flow, which was previously heavy. PMS symptoms are also controlled, as are bothersome cramps and pains.
  • Fourth advantage, it helps in fighting anemia caused by significant blood loss during menstrual flow, and it also encourages the production of red blood cells. It is also recommended as a major ally for women’s health in combating breast diseases, ovarian, uterine, or endometrial cancer, and for treating cysts and fibroids.

Disadvantages of Using the Contraceptive Injection

Like all methods, the use of injectable contraception can cause side effects or changes in the body and menstrual cycle. Although not always, these occurrences are possible, so it is important to be aware before choosing this method.

  • The first disadvantage is that because there is a long interval before the next shot, you may forget the exact date. That’s why we recommend marking it on a calendar that you check often, setting a phone alarm, or even using a period tracking app, like the Paula App.
  • The second disadvantage is the side effects of using this long-acting hormonal combination, which can cause headaches, abdominal discomfort, mood changes, changes to the menstrual cycle, and weight changes.
  • The third disadvantage is that if you experience side effects, the use cannot be discontinued in order to stop the symptoms. You will need to wait for the effect and hormones to leave your system naturally.
  • The fourth disadvantage is that once you decide to try to become pregnant, the effect of the contraceptive injection tends to take longer to leave the body than with other contraceptive methods. It may take from 3 months up to 1 year, depending on the woman, for fertility to return to normal.
  • And the fifth and last disadvantage on the list is that this contraceptive method cannot be administered by just anyone. It must be given at a pharmacy, by a pharmacist or authorized health professional. It can be given at the same place where you purchase it.

What Day Should I Take the Contraceptive Injection?

The first time you take the contraceptive injection, it should be administered on the first day of your period, or at the latest by the 5th day of your period, just like with other contraceptive methods. This recommendation is made specifically to ensure that the woman is not pregnant and to start her cycle using the contraceptive method in order to prevent pregnancy from that point on.

The other doses will depend on the type of contraceptive injection chosen, monthly or quarterly. The interval must be exactly 30 days or 90 days, regardless of which day your period occurs. In some cases, your cycle may become irregular and you may not even get your period. Even so, take the next dose on the scheduled date to ensure the method’s effectiveness.

IMPORTANT: During the first month of the contraceptive injection, you are not protected, so use other contraceptive methods to avoid pregnancy, such as condoms.

What If I Forget to Take the Injection on the Right Day?

The safety window for those who forget to take the contraceptive injection is from 1 to 3 days. After that, you can still take it, but it is recommended that you use other contraceptive methods as backup for the month, just to be safe, such as condoms. However, if you take it within the 3-day window from the scheduled date, the method’s effectiveness remains assured.

Are There Any Contraindications?

Its use should always be prescribed by a gynecologist, who will ensure that it is the best method for your health and needs. There are contraindications for the contraceptive injection: women with hypersensitivity to any of the injection’s components, pregnant women, women undergoing breast cancer treatment, women with neurological problems, hypertension, vascular problems, lupus, liver disease, and diabetes. It is also not recommended for women who have given birth less than 6 weeks ago. During breastfeeding, the exact type must be prescribed by a doctor to avoid harm to the baby.

Photo: Dr. Partha Sarathi Sahana