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Hormonal injection
What am I?
An injection of progestogen given every 8-13 weeks1
Effectiveness2
Perfect use | Typical use |
---|---|
N/A | 98% |
- May reduce heavy, painful periods and help with premenstrual symptoms for some women1
- Required minimal administration as each injection lasts for either 8 or 13 weeks1
- Allows you to enjoy sex spontaneously without worrying about getting pregnant.
- Periods may become irregular, very heavy, or stop altogether1
- Most types of hormonal injection need to be administered by a healthcare professional1
- Headaches are a common side effect during the first few months3
- It can take a while for your periods and natural fertility to return after you stop using the injection1
- The hormonal injection doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) – condoms should be used as well1
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NHS Inform. Contraceptive injection. Available at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/contraception/contraceptive-injection/ Last accessed May 2025
NHS. How well contraception works at preventing pregnancy. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/choosing-contraception/how-well-it-works-at-preventing-pregnancy/ Last accessed May 2025
NHS. Contraceptive injection. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/contraceptive-injection/ Last accessed May 2025