Contraceptive Injection: Understand how the method works
The contraceptive injection is made up of injectable hormones, which are applied monthly or every three months in the gluteal region, for those who want to avoid pregnancy.
This method is ideal for those who forget to take the pill daily or can not use oral contraceptives for medical advice. In addition, it has a lower cost.
But not all are advantages. Contraceptive injection may cause some adverse reactions, and make pregnancy more difficult even after discontinuation.
A specialist in human reproduction, better explains the positives and negatives, the right way to use injectable contraceptives and clarifies other doubts about this method.
How does it work and for whom is it indicated?
Contraceptive injection should only be taken if there is professional guidance. This indication takes into account several factors, such as health issues, intolerance to certain types of hormones, habits and even lifestyle.
Between the monthly injection, the oral pill or contraceptive patch, the basic difference is more in the form of application. And it changes practicality, since forgetfulness is a very common problem. But the effectiveness is the same.
The application should always be done in the pharmacy, as it is an intramuscular application. According to a doctor, it is not very painful. It only hurts if it is misapplied.
Contraceptive contraceptive monthly x quarterly
The gynecologist also explains that there are two types of injectable methods. One is applied monthly with synthetic hormones (derived from estradiol and progesterone), which have the same characteristics as the pill and the contraceptive patch.
It is widely used by adolescents who frequently forget the tablet, also has fewer side effects, mainly gastrointestinal, such as nausea. “This injection is applied every 30 days, always on the same day of the month. The first should be applied on the first day of menstruation. And the cycle is normal, without any change, “he says.
The other has quarterly application. Its composition is based only on progestogen (similar to natural progesterone), without estrogen. She has the advantage of not having contraindications. It is even widely used in the postpartum period because it does not interfere with breastfeeding. But it has the disadvantage of increasing fluid retention over time.
Another feature different from the quarterly injection is that women do not menstruate. It is very indicated in cases that we do not want the patient to menstruate, as in endometriosis.
Possible Side Effects
The monthly injection, because of the combined hormones, has the same risks as the contraceptive pill or patch, such as thrombosis, stroke, stroke, liver problems. This does not change regardless of the route of administration, ie whether it is oral or injectable.
Therefore, it is a contraindicated method for those who are predisposed to some of these problems and also for smokers. Women who are breastfeeding also can not use the method because there is interference.
The quarterly injection does not have any of these contraindications since it does not have estrogen in its composition.