Are you considering this contraceptive method, but you are unsure about the birth control shot side effects? If you want to protect yourself against unwanted pregnancy and you do not want to think about taking a pill every day, a contraceptive injection may be a suitable choice for you. If you are a complete beginner to birth control injections and you want to educate yourself, you have landed on the right article. Find out who is a suitable candidate for the birth control shot, how effective it is, whether there are any side effects, and more.
As always, your first step is reaching out to a medical professional for expert guidance.
Although this article will help you learn more about contraceptive injection, you must talk to your OB-GYN or healthcare specialist. If you are looking for the best experts in the area, we recommend consulting with a contraceptive specialist in South Miami, Florida.
Are there any birth control shot side effects you should be aware of? How effective is this contraceptive method in preventing pregnancy? Does it protect you against sexually transmitted diseases? Read on to find out.
What is the Contraceptive Shot?
The contraceptive shot is a popular birth control method that typically involves Noristerat, Sayana Press, or Depo-Provera. The injection works by releasing the progestogen hormone into the patient’s bloodstream to prevent unwanted pregnancy. The newest injection type is Sayana Press, which is effective for 13 weeks. However, one of the reasons why
Depo-Provera is preferred over Sayana Press is that the latter is not available at every GP surgery or clinic.
Talk to your healthcare specialist at a safe and trusted clinic to determine the right birth control injections for you. For the best results, we always recommend Obstetrics and Gynecology in South Miami, Florida.
Is the Contraceptive Injection Effective?
A contraceptive injection is a highly effective birth control option, with an over 99 percent success rate. Nevertheless, if used incorrectly, the efficacy can significantly drop. Always talk to a healthcare specialist about how to use birth control injections properly. Although many women prefer injections over the pill due to not needing to take them at the same time daily, you will need to remember the expiration date. Namely, you will have to repeat the birth control injections before they expire, or else you risk it becoming ineffective.
How Does the Contraceptive Injection Function?
The contraceptive shot works by slowly releasing the progestogen hormone into the woman’s bloodstream. As a result, ovulation or the release of an egg monthly will be prevented. Besides preventing ovulation, the contraceptive injection thickens the patient’s cervical mucus, making it challenging for the sperm to enter via the cervix. It also thins the womb’s lining, minimizing the chances of implanting a fertilized egg.
Typically, the Noristerat and the Depo-Provera injections are administered in the patient’s upper arm or bottom. When it comes to the Sayana Press shot, patients can get it in their thigh or abdomen. In most cases, patients may learn to do this by themselves.
When Does the Birth Control Shot Start Working?
This birth control method is very effective and fast-acting. Females can get the shot at any time during their regular menstrual cycles as long there is no risk of pregnancy. Women who get the shot during the initial five days of their period will be protected against unwanted pregnancy immediately.
On the other hand, if women get the shot at any other point during their menstrual cycle, they will require the use of another form of protection (such as a condom) for one week.
Possible Birth Control Shot Side Effects
As with anything in life, there are some birth control shot side effects to consider. Although the chances of experiencing adverse effects are slim, it is possible. Here are some of the birth control shot side effects that patients may encounter:
- Menstrual cycles may become heavier, irregular, lighter, shorter, or, in some cases, stop. These side effects can continue for a few months after the woman stops taking shots.
- Birth control injections do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. This means that you will need to use a condom to protect yourself against HPV, gonorrhea, syphilis, and other illnesses.
- After you stop taking the shots, you may not have a period of one year. This means that you will have to wait until your body adjusts to life without birth control injections and only after planning to get pregnant.
- Some women may gain weight when using Sayana Press or Depo-Provera.
- Some women may experience birth control shot side effects such as hair loss, mood swings, headaches, and decreased libido.
Overall, any of the mentioned side effects may continue for as long as you take the shot (from eight to 13 weeks).
If you are currently experiencing any of the symptoms, reach out to your doctor for expert advice, guidance, and options.
Birth Control Injections After Pregnancy
If you are not breastfeeding, you can have the shot any time after pregnancy. When it comes to breastfeeding women, the shot is typically administered after six weeks. Also, if you opt for the shot during the initial few weeks post-pregnancy, you are at high risk of experiencing irregular and heavy bleeding. The use of contraceptive injections is safe for breastfeeding women. That said, if you have questions or concerns, discuss them with a healthcare professional.
Birth Control Injections After Abortion or Miscarriage
Women who have had an abortion or a miscarriage can have the shot immediately after. If you want to be protected against unwanted pregnancy and you take the injection five or more days after the abortion or miscarriage, you will need to use a condom for the following seven days.
Who Is the Contraceptive Shot For?
Most female patients are eligible candidates for the contraceptive shot. However, this may not be the best birth control method for you if you fall into the following categories:
- You believe you may be pregnant.
- You do not want your menstrual cycle to change.
- You are planning to get pregnant the next year.
- You are experiencing unusual bleeding (or spotting) between menstrual cycles or after sexual intercourse.
- You have liver disease.
- You have a history of stroke or a heart condition, or you currently have arterial disease.
- You have had or currently have breast cancer.
- You are at risk of osteoporosis.
Benefits of Birth Control Injections
There are many reasons why you may opt for the injections. Here are some of the most common reasons women choose shots:
- They won’t interrupt intercourse.
- They are suitable for women who don’t want to take pills every day simultaneously.
- They are not affected by some medications.
- They can last for up to 13 weeks.
- They might reduce painful periods and bleeding.
Where Can You Get Injections?
You can get injections at:
- GP surgeries
- Contraception clinics
- Specific services for young people
If you have any questions about your health, contact us today. OB-GYN Specialists of South Miami will help guide you to better health, one step at a time. Give us a call today.