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Injectable

Providing 2-3 months of contraceptive protection

An effective, long-acting and reversible method of contraception

A contraceptive injectable contains a hormone that is injected into the body that stops eggs being released.

Injectables are a very effective method of contraception when used correctly.

To continue being effective, you must make sure to return for an injection every 2-3 months, otherwise you risk the chance of becoming pregnant.

Please note that this treatment is only available to women who have at least one child.

Effectiveness

99% - If one hundred women used an injectable for a year and carried on with their normal sex life then only one of those women would fall pregnant during that period.

Availability

Injectables are available at all of our clinics.

Pricing

Please contact our team for more information about pricing.

How an injectable works

The injection is usually administered in the arm, thigh or buttock by a trained provider.

It only takes a few minutes to have the injection. It can take up to 7 days before the injection starts to work if you have not previously used a contraceptive injectable. You can use a condom for those 7 days.

Depending on the type of injectable given, another injection will be required in 2-3 months times to continue being an effective contraceptive method.

If you're starting to use contraception for the first time, or thinking about using a new method, it's a good idea to have a full consultation.

Book an appointment

Find our locations that offer contraception and family planning services

Injectable advantages

Injectables offer numerous advantages as a long-acting, reversible method of contraception.

The procedure is very quick and painless
Provide up to 12 weeks of very effective contraception
May help with heavy periods.

These benefits come from the correct use of an injectable when administered by a trained provider. If using an injectable, you should also make sure to follow any product manufacturer instructions.

Things to consider

When deciding if an injectable is right for you, here are a few quick facts you should consider:

Some women may find they have spotting and bleeding for the first few weeks, but this usually settles down
Periods may stop, but this is nothing to worry about
Fertility may take up to a year to return after stopping
Will not protect from STI/HIV
As it is an injection, if you have any symptoms, such as bleeding, you cannot reverse this method immediately.

Other methods of contraception at a glance

Oral contraceptive pill

The contraceptive pill is a short-acting contraceptive method.

Contraceptive pills contain hormones, similar to those naturally produced by a woman’s body. The pill needs to be taken at the same time every day to effectively prevent pregnancy. It’s ability to prevent pregnancy depends on a person using it correctly.

Condoms

Male and females condoms are a barrier contraception method for preventing pregnancy and STIs.

When used correctly, condoms are highly effective. Condoms are also the only contraceptive method that protect against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV and syphilis.

Contraceptive implant

The implant is a highly effective, long-acting and reversible method of contraception.

It consists of either 1 or 2 small plastic rods that are placed in the upper arm and, depending on the product used, is effective at preventing pregnancy for 3 to 5 years.

Intrauterine device

The IUD is a highly effective (99%), long-acting and reversible method of contraception.

It is a small, T-shaped device that is made from plastic and copper and works by stopping a man's sperm from meeting an egg and/or by stopping an egg implanting in the uterus. The procedure for inserting an IUD is simple, only taking a few minutes by a trained person.

Tubal ligation

Tubal ligation is a permanent, irreversible contraceptive solution for women.

It is suitable for women who are sure they don't want anymore children.

The method involves a short surgical procedure, performed by a highly trained doctor that prevents woman's eggs and the man's sperm meeting, so a pregnancy can't occur.

Vasectomy

A surgical procedure for providing a permanent contraceptive solution for men.

A vasectomy is a contraceptive method suitable for men who are sure they don't want anymore children.

It's a popular method of family planning chosen by millions of men worldwide. It's safe, effective and offers a permanent solution to contraceptive needs.

Oral contraceptive pill

The contraceptive pill is a short-acting contraceptive method.

Frequently asked questions about injectables

How good are injectables at preventing a pregnancy?

The injectable works very well at preventing a pregnancy. If 100 women used the injection for a year and carried on with their normal sex life, then only 1 of those women would fall pregnant during that period.

However, it is difficult for some women to remember to get their injections on time. With typical use, about 3 women out of 100 would fall pregnant.

What are the advantages of an injectable?

Depending on the type of injectable it can last up to either 2 or 3 months. After each 2 or 3 months you will need to have another injection.
It can help to reduce heavy periods.
It does not interrupt sex.
It is discreet – no one can see that you are using it.
You can start it straight after an abortion.

What are the disadvantages of an injectable?

Once you have had the injection it cannot be removed. You will have to wait the 2 or 3 months for its effects to end, even if you decide you don’t want it any more.
The injection can result in a delayed return to fertility but will not change a woman’s natural ability to become pregnant. On average it is 4 months (for the 3-month injection) or 1 month (for the 2-month injection) but could be as long as 1 year.
Unlike condoms, it does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections.
Your regular bleeding pattern may change while using the injectable. In the first 3 months you may have irregular or prolonged bleeding. Over time your monthly bleeding may stop or become infrequent or irregular. This is not harmful and will return to normal after you stop using the injection.
Some women using the injectable will gain or lose a small amount of weight. If weight gain occurs it will generally be in the range of 1-2kg per year but in rare cases may be up to 5kg.
If you want to rely on the injections as a means of contraception then it is important that you attend for a follow up injection at around the right time. There is some flexibility in that you can be a couple of weeks early or late for your repeat injection and it will still be effective. But you should avoid being more than 2 weeks late or you may not be protected from pregnancy. If you are late for the injection, come as soon as you can and avoid sexual activity during this time or use condoms as a back up until you get your next injection.

Injectable aftercare advice

If you have your first injectable on day 1 to 5 of a period, it will work straight away. At any other time, extra precautions, such as condoms or abstaining from sex will be required for 7 days.

If you've recently had an abortion, you can have an injectable following your treatment. It will be given to you during your treatment and will work straight away. It will then last a further 12 weeks before another injection is required.