The contraceptive injection is derived from progesterone. It is administered every 3 months to prevent a pregnancy.
Mode of action:
The injection acts at various levels:
- It inhibits ovulation.
- It thickens the cervical mucus, and blocks the passage of spermatozoa (sperm).
- It makes the inside of the uterus unfit to receive a fertilized egg.
Advantages
- There is no daily intake. An injection every 3 months suffices.
- It helps control certain symptoms of endometriosis.
- It can be used by women who have an intolerance to oral contraceptives or estrogen intake.
- Many people stop bleeding after one year of use, which reduces the risk of anemia.
- Generally, taking other medications does not affect the effectiveness of this method. However, it is important to check with a healthcare professional if you are taking other medications.
- The injection reduces the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer.
- It doesn’t interfere with sexual relations.
- It can be prescribed to smokers over the age of 35.
- It reduces the frequency of epileptic seizures.
Disadvantages
- Return to fertility generally varies from 3 to 18 months after the last injection, but on average, it returns after 9 months. CAUTION: If you stop taking the injection and you do not want to become pregnant, you must protect yourself with another contraceptive method, because for some women, fertility can return very quickly.
- It does not protect against sexually transmitted and/or blood-borne infections (STBBIs).
- It can decrease bone density, but it is generally reversible.
- The most common side effects are weight gain in half of women, irregular bleeding (spotting or light pinkish or brownish discharge), bleeding stopping completely, mood changes, breast tenderness, nausea, dizziness, etc. In the event of side effects, it is advisable to wait 3 months before changing the contraceptive method, as these usually disappear after this period. However, if the side effects are severe, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.
- The injection is contra-indicated for women who are pregnant, have a history of vascular diseases (infarction, cerebrovascular accident), have liver disease, want to become pregnant in the next two years (return to fertility varies from 3 to 18 months after the last injection but generally returns after 9 months), or have abnormal uterine bleeding.
How do I get the injection?
At the pharmacy, with a prescription from a doctor or a school nurse. The injections are given every 3 months by a doctor or nurse, and costs vary between $30.00 and $45.00 per injection. It is covered by the prescription drug insurance plan (régime d’assurance médicaments) and by private insurance.
Instructions for use
When do I start using the injection?
- If the injection is administered in the first 5 days of the menstrual cycle, it is effective immediately to prevent pregnancy.
- If the first injection is administered at a different time in the cycle, the woman must use the condom for a minimum of 7 days because the injection is not effective right away.
Afterward…
Double protection…
Health Canada informs us that women and adolescents who receive Depo-Provera® could experience a significant drop in bone density. However, a 2008 review of the literature by a committee of experts from the National Institute of Public Health of (l’Institut national de santé publique du Québec) reassured health professionals. It is mentioned that the mineral loss associated with Depo-Provera® is largely reversible and that the increased risk of fracture linked to its use is probably low. We remind you of the importance of informing women of the side effects of any contraceptive method.