The contraceptive injection is a long-acting hormone, which is injected into the buttock or upper arm every 8 to 12 weeks depending on the type.
After a few injections, monthly bleeding may stop altogether. This isn’t harmful.
How does it work?
• It stops the ovaries from releasing an egg each month.
• It thickens the mucus at the entrance to the uterus (cervix) to stop sperm from moving into the uterus.
How well does it work?
The injection is 99.8% effective at preventing pregnancy if used perfectly, but in real life, with typical use, it can be less effective (94%), for example, if you’re late for an injection.
What are the benefits?
• You don’t have to remember to do something, like take a pill, every day.
• It is safe to use if you’re breastfeeding or you can’t take oestrogen.
• It can be useful if you don’t want to have periods.
What are the downsides?
• The injection does not protect against STIs, including HIV, but can be used at the same time as condoms.
• You need to remember to get the injection every 8 to 12 weeks.
• It is not immediately reversible. This means that any side-effects can take some time to wear off.
• It can take some months for periods and fertility to return to normal.
Are there side effects?
Serious problems are rare with contraceptive injection. You may experience:
• Irregular bleeding, although this usually gets better with time and most women end up with no periods at all after having the injections for a year
• Possible weight gain
• Headaches
• Tender breasts
• Acne
• Loss of bone density
Can anyone get the contraceptive injection?
Yes, but the injection is not usually recommended:
• As a first choice if you are under 18 years of age – this is because it may affect the density of your bones.
• If you want to get pregnant within the next 12 to 18 months since it is not immediately reversible.
Where do you get it?
From any nursing station, health centres, clinic hubs and NGO clinics (Reproductive and Family Health Association of Fiji Clinic situated at Garden City Raiwai, Suva, Medical Services Pacific see locations in support services tab).
Injection