The contraceptive injection stops you getting pregnant. It does this by releasing a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone (called progestogen) into your body. You need to have it at least every 13 weeks. Fewer than 1 in 100 women who use it for contraception will get pregnant in any 1 year. 

The injection is a long-term form of contraception, meaning you do not have to think about using it every day or each time you have sex. There are a few brands available and we offer Depo-Provera and Sayana Press in our clinics.

It works in 3 ways:  

  • It stops your ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation). 
  • It thickens the mucus in the neck of the womb (the cervix), making it tricky for sperm to enter. 
  • It thins the lining of your womb, so a fertilised egg is less likely to implant there. 

Most women need to have the jab every 13 weeks. You can get it at any time if you are not pregnant. 

You will most likely get the injection in your bottom or your upper arm. You can also self-inject it around your thigh or stomach.

Most women can have the contraceptive injection. It’s a good option if you cannot use contraception that contains the artificial version of oestrogen, such as the contraceptive patch or combined pill. 

It will not suit you if you:

  • have liver disease
  • have had breast cancer
  • are at risk of osteoporosis (a condition that weakens your bones)
  • have arterial disease (a disease that affects your arteries) or any history of stroke or heart disease

The injection might make your periods lighter, heavier, or more irregular for months after you stop. You should not choose it if you have any unexplained bleeding between periods or after sex. 

It can take up to 1 year for your fertility to return to normal after stopping the injection. 

If you need help working out whether the contraceptive injection is right for you, speak to our team, your GP or a nurse. 

Pros: 

  • It does not affect sex and you do not have to think about it for weeks at a time.  
  • Unlike many other forms of hormonal contraception (such as the combined pill), it is not affected by other medicines.
  • It might make your bleeds lighter and shorter, or they might stop. 
  • It’s safe when you’re breastfeeding. 
  • It can help ease premenstrual symptoms (PMS) for some women.
  • You can inject some versions yourself.

Cons:

  • You will need to use condoms to protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
  • You need to remember to book your repeat jabs. 
  • Some women get side effects such as weight gain, headaches, mood swings, a lack of sex drive and breast tenderness – and these can last for a few weeks after you stop the injection. 
  • It might make your bleeds heavier or more irregular. 
  • It’s safe after you’ve had a baby, but you may be more likely to have heavy irregular bleeding if you have an injection within 6 weeks of giving birth.  
  • The jab site could get infected, or you could have an allergic reaction. This is very rare. 

You can get the contraceptive injection from sexual health clinics, contraception clinics and most GP surgeries.  

Use our service finder, or call our information and booking line on 0800 328 3383.