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What is Contraceptive Injection?
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Contraceptive injection is a form of hormonal birth control. It’s a shot that vulva people can get to prevent unwanted pregnancies. The shot is given in the arm or butt every twelve weeks. It’s sometimes referred to as the birth control shot. There are different brand names available but the most common and well known is the Depo-Provera Shot, also sometimes called the Depo Shot.
Someone wishing to try this type of birth control must connect with their health care practitioner or make an appointment at a health center. A prescription is needed to receive the contraceptive injection.
How Does Contraceptive Injection Work?
The injection is typically made from a manmade hormone called medroxyprogesterone or progestin. Either of these hormones affects the ovaries and prevent them from ovulating and releasing an egg. The hormones also thicken the cervical mucus which makes it difficult for any sperm to pass through. When no egg is released and no sperm can reach any sperm if it is released, there is no chance to get pregnant.
The shot is usually started within the first five days of the menstrual cycle.
How Effective is It?
The shot is one of the most effective methods of hormonal birth control. It is 99% effective when a shot is gotten every twelve weeks. Getting the shot in the correct time frame is one of the most important aspects of keeping this form of birth control effective. A shot can be taken as early as 10 weeks after the previous shot or as late as 15 weeks. When someone fails to get the shot on time, and the time stretches past the 12-week mark, it can increase the risk of getting pregnant.
If someone forgets or is late receiving their shot, they should use another method of birth control, such as a condom, for the first week after getting the shot. This provides some extra protection when the shot will be at its least effectiveness.
Benefits of Contraceptive Injection
The birth control shot is a highly effective form of birth control and one of the major benefits is that it doesn’t require daily or regular actions, just a visit to the doctor every 3 months. The hormones can also reduce menstrual cramps and decreases the risk of endometrial cancer. People receiving the shot also tend to experience less menstrual blood flow and, in some cases, may stop having a period at all. Some people like this option because it’s a hormonal option that doesn’t use estrogen.
It can also be beneficial to anyone who struggles with anemia, sickle cell disease, seizures, uterine fibroids, or endometriosis.
Drawbacks of the Shot
Contraceptive injection isn’t a perfect fit for everyone. Depending on where you live, and your health coverage, it can be expensive. There is also the mandatory visit to the doctor for the shot every 3 months.
There are also some side effects that people can experience. Usually, if someone does experience any side effects, they happen in the first 2 months. Side effects can include
- Acne
- Headaches
- Nervousness
- Depression
- Changes in appetite
- Dizziness
- Weight gain
- Hair loss
- Belly pain
- Unwanted facial/body hair
- Loss of bone mineral density
- Bloating
- Fatigue
- Breakthrough bleeding
- Weakness
- Decreased sex drive
It also can be a bad fit for anyone who wants to get pregnant in the near future. Once someone stops receiving the shot and is trying to get pregnant, it can sometimes take up to 10 months for conception to occur.
The birth control shot also shouldn’t be used by anyone who has had unexplained vaginal bleeding, blood clots, breast cancer, or liver disease. A frank discussion with your health care provider should if you have diabetes or history or high risk of heart attack, stroke, osteoporosis, or depression.
It’s also important to note that, like other forms of hormonal birth control, contraceptive injection will not protect you from any sexually transmitted infections.
Choosing Birth Control that Works for You
There are lots of different birth control options and it’s important that you take the time to properly determine which one is going to be right for you.
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