Contraceptive injections offer a flexible, low-maintenance birth control option for women. With just a shot every few months, they provide effective protection without the daily hassle of pills or devices.
WORDS DR AGILAN ARJUNAN
 FEATURED EXPERTDR AGILAN ARJUNAN Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and Fertility Specialist evelyn Fertility and Women Specialist Centre Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | X (Formerly Twitter) |
Do you know that there is an injectable form of contraception?
In my opinion, this option can be worth considering for busy women that are sexually active but not considering pregnancy for many years to come.
With their busy schedule, this option is more flexible than birth control pills, as they only need to get a shot every few months.
She may need to manage the side effects of irregular periods or spotting, but even then, these side effects will soon go away.
CONTRACEPTIVE INJECTION HELPS TO PREVENT PREGNANCY IN 3 WAYS
The active ingredient is progestin, the synthetic or lab-made version of the female hormone progesterone. It works just like progesterone in the body.
- This hormone stops the growth of your egg and thus prevents ovulation.
- It also thickens your cervical mucus to prevent sperm cells from entering the womb.
- It thins your womb lining to prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg.
FLEXIBILITY & CONVENIENCE
- Unlike the birth control pill, there is no daily action needed for the contraceptive injection.
- Hence, it is an option to consider if you worry that you may forget to take birth control pills due to a busy schedule.
- It may be helpful to someone with heavy and/or painful period, as it can reduce the amount of period flow. Your period flow may completely stop after taking contraceptive injections for a few months.
- It can be taken during breastfeeding because it does not affect milk production.
HOWEVER, IT CAN ALSO HAVE SOME DISADVANTAGES
Side Effects
Some women may experience side effects, although different women would experience different side effects.
- A major possible side effect is irregular period during the initial phase.
- Others include bloating, tenderness in the breasts, headache, and weight gain.
No Protection Against Sexually Transmitted Infections or STIs
If you are at higher risk of contracting STs, such as having multiple sexual partners or you suspect your partner might have multiple partners, have your partner use a condom during sexual intercourse.
Longer Duration of Receiving Contraceptive Injections May Thin Out Your Bones
Fortunately, it doesn’t increase your risk of fracture.
WIDELY AVAILABLE IN MALAYSIA
- You can get it in at the klinik kesihatan for free.
- It is also available in GP clinics and gynecology clinics, although you will have to pay at these places.
- Pharmacies may also provide this injection if you have a doctor’s prescription.
| This article is part of our series on tips and advice on women’s health, sex life, and fertility. |
