Type
Estrogen and Progestin
Progestin-only (i.e Depo Provera, "The Shot," Depo Shot)

What is it?
An injection that prevents pregnancy in the same way as the patch and oral contraceptives.

How does it work?
The hormones in contraceptive injections prevent pregnancy by stopping the ovaries from releasing eggs (prevents ovulation).  In addition, the hormones affect the lining of the uterus, thicken cervical mucus, and prevent sperm from fertilizing the egg.

How do I use it?
Contraceptive injections must be administered by a healthcare professional either monthly (Estrogen and Progestin) or every 3 months (Progestin-only).

How reliable is it?
Monthly contraceptive injections are 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.  3-month contraceptive injections are 97%-99.7% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Are there any hormones involved?
Yes

Does this type of contraceptive offer protection from STI/STDs?
No

What are the advantages?
Contraceptive injections are a good choice if you are considering a highly effective method of birth control that does not require daily maintenance, such as oral contraceptives, and are not bothered by injections.  The progestin-only injection is a good choice for women who cannot take estrogen.  In addition, there are no interruptions during sex so it allows for spontaneity.  Antibiotics do not weaken effectiveness, unlike oral contraceptives.  May cause lighter or no periods.  May decrease the risk of cancer of ovary or uterus.  In addition, this method has a higher level of privacy than others.

What are the disadvantages?
Contraceptive injections may cause loss of bone density and increase the risk of osteoporosis.

Are there any side effects or health risks that I should discuss with my healthcare provider?
Side effects of contraceptive injections may include dizziness, breast tenderness, bloating/weight gain, headaches, stomach pain or cramps, nervousness, depression, mood swings, hair loss, acne and/or loss of sex drive.  Menstrual changes may occur such as missed periods or irregular or unpredictable bleeding or spotting, and occasional excessive or prolonged periods.  Contraceptive injections may increase the chance of breast cancer.

Where do I get it?
Prescription and Clinic Visit required

How often do I need to use it?
Injections are administered monthly (Estrogen and Progestin) or every 3 months (Progestin-only).

Additional Information:

• Ovulation may not return until 9 or 10 months after the last injection for the Estrogen and Progestin injection.
• Ovulation may not return until 1 year for the progestin-only product.

• If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
• If you have a history of heart attack or stroke
• If you have blood clots in the legs (thrombophlebitis), lungs (pulmonary embolism), or eyes
• If you have a history of blood clots in the deep veins of your legs
• If you suffer from chest pain (angina pectoris)
• If you have known or suspected breast cancer or cancer of the lining of the uterus, cervix, or vagina
• If you have unexplained vaginal bleeding (until a diagnosis is reached by your doctor)
• If you have a yellowing of the whites of the eyes or of the skin (jaundice) during pregnancy or during previous use of oral contraceptives or other hormonal contraceptives
• If you have a liver tumor (benign or cancerous)
• If you have an allergy to any of the ingredients contained in the combination contraceptive injection
• Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects from hormonal contraceptives.  The risk increases with age and with heavy smoking (15 or more cigarettes per day) and is quite marked in women over 35 years of age.

• If you think you might be pregnant
• If you have any vaginal bleeding without a known reason
• If you have had cancer of the breast
• If you have had a stroke
• If you have or have had blood clots (phlebitis) in your legs
• If you have problems with your liver or liver disease
• If you are allergic to the progestin-only contraceptive injections (medroxyprogesterone acetate or any of its other ingredients)