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Hormonal injection

What am I?

An injection of progestogen given every 8-13 weeks1

Effectiveness2

Perfect useTypical use
N/A98%
  • 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.
illustration of a woman making a heart with their hands and smiling
illustration of a woman making a heart with their hands and smiling
  • 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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References

  1. NHS Inform. Contraceptive injection. Available at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/contraception/contraceptive-injection/ Last accessed May 2025

  2. 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

  3. NHS. Contraceptive injection. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/contraceptive-injection/ Last accessed May 2025

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