Description: This is an injection of hormones that provides a longer-acting alternative to the pill. It works by slowly releasing the hormone progestogen into the body to stop ovulation. Each injection lasts 8 to 12 weeks. Injections may reduce heavy and/or painful periods and may give some protection against cancer of the uterus.

Considerations: The injection may cause irregular menses or stopping altogether. It can take over a year for fertility to return to normal after stopping contraceptive injections. Therefore, injections may not be suitable for a woman planning to start a family in the near future. It is important to remember the due date for the next injection which may be every 8-12 weeks (depending on the choice of injection), to continue the contraceptive cover. Injections do not offer protection against sexually transmitted infections or HIV/AIDS.

Availability: MSS clinics and pharmacies

Effectiveness: 99%.   

MYTHS & FACTS

Myth: Injections cause the body to bloat.
Fact: The weight gain is slight, about one to one and a half kilograms after one year of use and none in successive years. This can be controlled with exercise.

Myth: The menses stop and the woman become infertile.
Fact: The continuous use of injection can cause the menses to stop, but it does not make the woman infertile. After stopping the injections the menses resume and fertility returns.

Myth: The use of injection causes cancer.
Fact: Injections protect from cancer of the ovaries and uterus.

Myth: The ‘dirty blood’ of menses collects in the body which has a bad effect on the eyes.
Fact: Menses stop due to the thinning of uterine lining. As soon as injections are stopped the lining of uterus rebuilds with resumption of menses. There is no 'collection' of blood and absolutely no effect on the eyesight.