The shot is an injectable contraceptive containing the hormone progestin that interferes with a woman's menstrual cycle. An injection containing the hormone progestogen. There are two types of injectable contraceptive:
Depo-Provera which lasts for 12 weeks Noristerat which lasts for eight weeks.
Both are available as single dose ampules. Either of the two can be used. The choice is yours or your clinician.
Injectable contraceptives are used as a temporary method of contraception by females. They have been in use in India since 1992. They are widely accepted in USA, Europe and parts of Asia, especially in Thailand and Indonesia.
Advantages of Injectable Contraceptive
A pelvic examination is not required prior to use. Their effect is rapid. They start working within 24 hours after administration. They do not affect breast-feeding. They can be given to lactating women without any effect on the baby or on the amount of breast milk. They do not interfere with intercourse. They have a 99% rate of efficacy during the first year of use, and are thus very effective. They have minimal side effects. There is no nausea, rise in blood pressure or any clotting disorder associated with their use. In fact, these risks are associated with oral pills. However, cases of mild headaches or dizziness should be reported to the doctor. They provide you with protection for 2 to 3 months. There is no need to use any other form of contraception during this period.
Disadvantages of Injectable Contraceptive
ICs do not provide protection against STDs or HIV. Neither do oral pills for that matter. Only condoms or any other barrier method of contraception can provide this protection. Menstrual Irregularities - Spotting, breakthrough bleeding and sometimes skipping of your periods are the side effects of these contraceptives. However, skipping of your periods is natural when you are on the IC and it does not cause any harm… and, of course, it helps in cases of anemia! One cannot accurately predict the timing of the period, which may create a slight problem, especially when planning a holiday or even religious function. Planning or postponement of the period is not possible when the woman is on ICs. There may be a delay in return to fertility after discontinuing ICs. Pregnancy may not occur immediately. On an average it takes 2-3 months after you stop taking the pill or removing a Copper T to resume fertility. If you are using injectable contraception, this period is longer, and can be 4 to 5 months.
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