Injectable Contraceptive
What is Injectable Contraceptive ?
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:
1.Depo-Provera which lasts for 12 weeks
2.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.
How does Injectable Contraceptive work ?
The main way it works is by stopping the ovaries
releasing an egg (ovulation) each month. It also:
* Thickens the mucus in the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to reach
an egg.
* Makes the lining of the womb thinner so it's less likely to accept a
fertilised egg.
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.
How reliable Injectable Contraceptive are ?
It's more than 99 per cent effective. This means that
using this method, fewer than one woman in 100 will get pregnant in a
year. All long-acting reversible methods are very effective because while
they're being used you don't have to remember to take or use
contraception.
How long can I take Depo-Provera : (IC) ?
You should not use Depo-Provera for more than 2 years unless no other form
of birth control is right for you. Using Depo-Provera can cause you to
lose some of the calcium that is stored in your bones. The longer you use
Depo-Provera, the more calcium you may lose. The calcium may not return
completely once you stop using it. This can lead to osteoporosis.
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.
Can I use Depo-Provera : (IC) if I am breastfeeding ?
Depo-Provera can be used safely in women who are breastfeeding. Long-term
studies of babies whose mothers used Depo-Provera while breastfeeding
found no bad effects.
Who should not use Depo-Provera ?
Women who have any of the following should not use Depo-Provera: liver
disease, a history of blood clots (phlebitis) or stroke, vaginal bleeding
without a known reason, cancer of the breast or reproductive organs, known
or suspected pregnancy, or allergy to the medication in Depo-Provera.
How do you Use Injectable Contraceptive ?
The hormone is injected into a muscle, usually in your bottom.
Depo-Provera can also sometimes be given in the leg or arm. The injection
can be started up to and including the fifth day of your period. If
started at any other time, additional contraception has to be used for
seven days.
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