Injectable
Providing 2-3 months of contraceptive protection.
An effective long-acting reversible method of contraception.
The contraceptive injection contains a hormone that stops eggs being released. Injectables are a very effective method of contraception when used correctly, shown to be 20 times more effective than short term contraceptive methods, such as the pill.
You must make sure to return for an injection every 2-3 months, otherwise you risk the chance of becoming pregnant.
Effectiveness
99% – If one hundred women used an injectable for a year and carried on with their normal sex life then only one of those women would fall pregnant during that period.
Availability
Injectables are available from all of our clinics and outreach teams.
Injectable advantages
Injectables offer a number of advantages as a long-acting, reversible method of contraception.
- The procedure is very quick and painless.
- Provides up to 12 weeks of very effective contraception.
- May help with managing heavy periods.
Things to consider about injectables
When deciding if an injectable is right for you, here are a few quick facts you should consider:
- Some women may find they have spotting and bleeding for the first few weeks, but this usually settles down.
- Periods may stop, but this is nothing to worry about.
- Fertility may take up to a year to return after stopping.
- Will not protect from STIs or HIV.
- As it is an injection, if you have any symptoms, such as bleeding, you cannot reverse this method immediately.
How an injectable works
The injection is usually administered in the arm, thigh or buttock by a trained MSI provider and it only takes a few minutes.
If it’s your first time having a contraceptive injection, it can take up to 7 days before it starts to work.
If you have your first injectable on day 1 to 5 of your period, it will work straight away. At any other time, you will need to take extra precautions – such as using condoms or abstaining from sex – for 7 days.
Depending on the type of injectable given, you’ll need to have another injection in 2-3 months times to continue being an effective contraceptive method.
Speak to us about injectables
Call 0800 753 333 or email us to book your appointment.
Post-abortion care
If you’ve recently had post-abortion care, you can have an injectable following your treatment.
It will be given to you during your post-abortion treatment and will work straight away. It will then last a further 12 weeks before another injection is required.
Speak to us
If you need post-abortion care, message us confidentially on WhatsApp or contact us online.
Take the contraception quiz
Our online contraception counsellor will help you understand the best contraception methods for you based on your lifestyle, preferences and medical circumstances.
- Personalised advice in a few minutes
- Tailored pros and cons for each method
- Ability to compare different methods
Interested in getting the contraceptive injection? Contact us for a consultation.
0800 753 333
Find a clinic near you.
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