INFO: Contraceptive Injections

Depo-Provera
It provides contraceptive protection for three months (12 weeks).

Ways of preventing pregnancy

• stopping the ovaries releasing an egg each month
• stopping sperm reaching the egg by thickening the mucus from the cervix
• stopping the egg settling in the womb

Advantages

• It's highly effective.
• It doesn't interfere with sex.
• The injection provides some protection against both cancer of the womb and pelvic inflammatory disease.
• It can be used by women who are breastfeeding.
• You don't have to think about contraception for as long as it works.

Disadvantages

• The injection can cause irregular bleeding or longer periods.
• BUT Some women find their periods stop completely 
• While others have frequent, light bleeding. Irregular bleeding can continue for some months after stopping the injections.
• Some women experience side effects including weight increase, headaches, acne, breast tenderness, mood swings and bloating.
• The injection cannot be removed from the body. If side effects occur, they'll last as long as the injection does and sometimes longer.
• Your fertility and periods can take a while to get back to normal after stopping Depo-Provera. 

Contraceptive injections don't suit everyone. Depo-Provera and affects on bone density and growth Women who use Depo-Provera have been shown to have lower bone mineral density than women who don't use it. It is not known if this effect increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures in later life.

Own experience

I had the first jab end of October, my period came after two weeks. I initially thought that my menstrual cycle will stop. Even worst, my period lasted so long. I was a bit worried in case it caused by something else that I don't know but I found out from my sister one of the side effect is longer periods. She herself has been taking this injection for more than 3 years.

When I consult with gynae, he said to avoid such situation, the 2nd jab can be taken a month after, not 3 months. And we can actually perform our solat after the 14th day. So I took the 2nd jab last Saturday, my period has stopped 1-2 days later. Unlike my cousin, she said her menses stopped ever since taking the 1st injection.

Now I believe the side effects might be vary from one to another. Some people experience all the negative effect while some others have no complication at all. I experienced nothing but the longer period.
And some might argue why people opt for this not other way to prevent pregnancy, well it's really up to your judgment what best for your situation. Of course go for natural way is always the best option but... discipline can be one of the critical issue ;)

Sharing is caring!