Content
The quarterly contraceptive injection has a progestin in its composition, which acts by inhibiting ovulation and increasing the viscosity of the cervical mucus, making the passage of sperm difficult, preventing pregnancy. Injections of this type are Depo Provera and Contracep, which can completely stop menstruation during these three months, although in some cases, minor bleeding may occur during the month.
Generally, for fertility to return to normal, it takes about 4 months after the end of treatment, but some women may notice that menstruation takes about 1 year to return to normal, after stopping using this contraceptive method.
Advantages of quarterly injection
This type of contraceptive method consists only of progesterone, which is slowly absorbed by the body, which makes the effect of this contraceptive last longer. In addition, the quarterly injection promotes a decrease in menstrual flow, combats the symptoms of PMS, decreases the risk of endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer and pelvic inflammatory disease. In addition, this contraceptive can be used to help control the symptoms of endometriosis.
This contraceptive is especially indicated for women who cannot use estrogens, being also a good option for women with sickle cell anemia or with epilepsy. The progesterone-based injectable is more suitable for women who have epileptic seizures, as estrogen can decrease the effectiveness of drugs that treat epilepsy.
How to use
The contraceptive must be administered by a health professional, intramuscularly. If the person does not use another contraceptive method and is using the injection for the first time, they should receive the quarterly injection until the 5th day of the menstrual cycle, which is equivalent to the 5th day after the first day of menstruation. In these cases, a condom should be used for the first two weeks, in order to avoid an unwanted pregnancy.
After the 3-month period, the woman should receive another dose of the injection, regardless of whether or not there has been bleeding. Thus, it is possible to maintain hormonal levels in order to guarantee the contraceptive effect.
If the woman is taking a contraceptive and wants to start using the quarterly injection, she should receive it within 7 days after taking the last pill, removing a vaginal ring or patch. To start using this contraceptive after giving birth, it is recommended to give the injection 5 days after giving birth if the woman is not breastfeeding or 6 weeks after giving birth if she is breastfeeding.
What to do if you forget to take your injection
If the woman forgets to have her next injection and it has been 91 days, she should have a pregnancy test through a blood test. If the woman is not pregnant, she should speak to the doctor, who will decide the date of the next injection, however, the woman must use a condom for the period of time indicated by the doctor.
Main side effects
The most common side effects that can occur while using the quarterly injection are nervousness, headache, abdominal pain and discomfort, weight gain and breast tenderness.
In addition, depression, decreased sexual desire, dizziness, nausea, bloating, hair loss, acne, rash, back pain, vaginal discharge, breast tenderness, fluid retention and weakness may also occur.
When not indicated
The quarterly contraceptive injection is not recommended in some situations, such as:
- Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy;
- Known hypersensitivity to medroxyprogesterone acetate or any component of the formula;
- Vaginal bleeding from an undiagnosed cause;
- Suspected or confirmed breast cancer;
- Severe changes in liver function;
- Active thrombophlebitis or current or past history of thromboembolic or cerebrovascular disorders;
- History of retained abortion.
Thus, if the woman is in any of these situations, it is important that the gynecologist is consulted so that an evaluation can be made and the best contraceptive method can be indicated. Learn about other contraceptive methods.