Injectables
Injectables are monthly injections/shots that deliver hormonal contraceptive protection over an extended period of time.
Synopsis
Also called combined injectable contraceptives, CICs (Combined injectable contraceptive), the injection, these are monthly injections that contain 2 hormones - a progestin and an estrogen - like the natural hormones progesterone and estrogen in a woman’s body. (Combined oral contraceptives also contain these 2 types of hormones.) This method works primarily by preventing the release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation). It takes an average of about 5 months for the return of fertility after injections are stopped, one month longer than with most other methods.
Also called combined injectable contraceptives, CICs (Combined injectable contraceptive), the injection, these are monthly injections that contain 2 hormones - a progestin and an estrogen - like the natural hormones progesterone and estrogen in a woman’s body. (Combined oral contraceptives also contain these 2 types of hormones.) This method works primarily by preventing the release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation). It takes an average of about 5 months for the return of fertility after injections are stopped, one month longer than with most other methods.
Key Points
- Bleeding changes are common but not harmful. Typically, lighter monthly bleeding, fewer days of bleeding, or irregular or infrequent bleeding.
- Return on time. Coming back every 4 weeks is important for greatest effectiveness. Injection can be as much as 7 days early or late. Even if later, she may still be able to have the injection.
Effectiveness
Effectiveness depends on returning on time: Risk of pregnancy is greatest when a woman is late for an injection or misses an injection. As commonly used, about 3 pregnancies per 100 women using monthly injectables over the first year. This means that 97 of every 100 women using injectables will not become pregnant. When women have injections on time, less than 1 pregnancy per 100 women using monthly injectables over the first year (5 per 10,000 women).
Effectiveness depends on returning on time: Risk of pregnancy is greatest when a woman is late for an injection or misses an injection. As commonly used, about 3 pregnancies per 100 women using monthly injectables over the first year. This means that 97 of every 100 women using injectables will not become pregnant. When women have injections on time, less than 1 pregnancy per 100 women using monthly injectables over the first year (5 per 10,000 women).
Nuts & Bolts: Injectables
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