Injection
- Depo Provera

Can be up to 99% effective if you have injections on time. This is similar to the progesterone naturally produced in ovaries and works to prevent pregnancy. Often called the “depo” or the “jab”.

Overview

The injection contains the hormone progesterone and works in three ways to prevent pregnancy from occurring. Depo Provera is the funded injection available in New Zealand.

Key Facts

How it Works

The hormone in the injection is similar to progesterone, which is one of the two main hormones made by the ovaries during a normal cycle.

The body senses the presence of the hormone so that hormone production is ‘switched off’. Because of this, the ovaries will not release an egg and this is how pregnancy is prevented. This is very similar to how the Pill works. Depo Provera is also sometimes used in the treatment of endometriosis.

The injection works in three ways:

  • It stops ovulation.
  • It thickens the mucus around the cervix, which makes it harder for sperm to get through.
  • It makes the lining of the uterus thinner so that a fertilised egg cannot implant. 

If you are having Depo Provera for the first time, your first injection should be given when risk of pregnancy is excluded.

The injection is commonly given in the upper arm or buttock. No one can tell you are on the injection and there is nothing more you need to do before having sex to prevent pregnancy.

Pros

There are loads of things about the injection that are good for your body as well as your sex life.

  • The injection is over 99% effective.
  • It does not interrupt sex.
  • The injection lasts for 3 months (13 weeks).
  • It may reduce heavy periods and period pain.
  • It can be used by some women who cannot use the contraception that contains oestrogen.
  • The injection is not affected by vomiting, diarrhoea or antibiotics (like some methods).
  • Depo Provera is also likely to cause some reduction in risk of ovarian cancer, endometrial (uterine) cancer, endometriosis and possibly pelvic infection.

Cons

Everyone worries about negative side effects, but for many people, they’re not a problem.

  • Periods may be irregular, heavier, and longer or they may stop all together.
  • If you use the injection for a long time, there are some concerns that it can cause slight thinning of the bones by reducing bone mineral density (this usually recovers once the injections stop).
  • It may take a while for your periods to return to normal when you stop having the injection. In some people, this can take 6 to 12 months. However, more than half will fall pregnant within 12 months and over 90 percent within two years.
  • Some people may put on weight when they use Depo-Provera.
  • It can cause some side effects including headaches, mood swings, breast tenderness and irregular bleeding. Because the injection can’t be removed from your body (like an IUD or implant) if you do have any side effects they are likely to last as long as the injection and for some time afterwards.
  • It doesn’t protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so you will need to use a barrier method such as condoms.
  • It can cause acne.
  • There can be a very small risk of infection at the site of the injection.
  • You will need to see a nurse or doctor to have the injection every 3 months.

FAQs

Most people without serious health issues can use Depo Provera. Many who use other contraception can too. It might work for those who can’t take the combined pill for health reasons.

Depo Provera can be used by most wāhine/women+ who do not have any serious medical problems and by many who use other forms of contraception. It may also be suitable for wāhine/women+ who cannot take the combined pill for medical reasons.

An appointment will typically include:

  • A few questions about your medical and family history, to work out what would suit you best.
  • The doctor or nurse will take your blood pressure and they will weigh you.
  • The doctor or nurse may be able to give you the injection the same day.
  • You will need to go back to the clinic at 13 weeks for your next injection. 

You can have the injection at any time in your menstrual cycle if you are certain you are not pregnant. If you’re given the injection during the first five days of your period you will be protected against pregnancy immediately.

If you have the injection on any other day of your cycle you will not be protected for the first seven days, so you will need to use another method of contraception, like condoms. You may also be required to take a pregnancy test after the injection has been given.

Follow-up injections must be given on time. If you think your next injection is late use condoms until you know that your contraception is definitely protecting you again.

Non-Hormonal IUD – Copper

A non-hormonal (Copper) IUD is a small, T-shaped plastic device which contains copper. It is put into the uterus (womb). A Copper IUD does not contain hormones. The copper IUD can also be used as an Emergency Contraception.

LASTS FROM 5 TO 10 YEARS | PLACED IN THE UTERUS | EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY | EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION – UP TO 5 DAYS AFTER SEX

Hormonal IUD - Mirena | Jaydess

A Hormonal IUD is a small, T-shaped plastic device, which contains the hormone progestogen to control your fertility. The device is put into the uterus (womb).

HORMONES | LASTS FROM 3 TO 5 YEARS | PLACED IN THE UTERUS | EFFECTIVE IN 7 DAYS

Implant – Jadelle

Two small, flexible plastic rods that are placed just under the skin in the upper arm. The implant releases the hormone progestogen to control fertility.

HORMONES | LASTS UP TO 5 YEARS | PLACED IN THE ARM | EFFECTIVE IN 7 DAYS