What are Contraceptive Injections?
A contraceptive injection is a long-acting hormonal method that prevents pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation. The injection contains a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone, which is naturally produced in the body by the ovaries. In addition to preventing ovulation, contraceptive injections also trigger a thickening of cervical mucus that suppresses sperm’s ability to move through the uterus. If a sperm is unable to reach and fertilize an egg cell, then pregnancy cannot occur.
The contraceptive injection is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when readministered after the effects wear off. The most common injection, depot medroxyprogesterone acetate or Depo-Provera, is capable of preventing pregnancy for up to 12 weeks. Contraceptive injections can be administered in different dosages and target different injection sites. Depo-Provera is typically injected into the muscles, while Depo-SubQProvera is a smaller dose that is injected just beneath the skin. Both dosages produce similar effects and are useful tools when preventing pregnancy.
Contraceptive injections have additional benefits alongside preventing pregnancy. As a long-acting method, the injection does not require users to remember to take daily action to induce a contraceptive effect. Injection users also don’t have to worry about interrupting sexual encounters to ensure that the contraceptive method is being used properly. Depo-Provera injections have been administered to mitigate or completely eliminate the painful symptoms of menstruation and decrease the risk of endometrial cancer.
Researchers developing non-hormonal male contraceptives are working to create a reversible vasectomy that involves injecting a hydrogel polymer into the vas deferens to block the flow of sperm. The gel is removed by flushing each vas deferens when users decide to regain their fertility. This long-acting method was designed to prevent sperm from exiting the urethra, without affecting pleasure during ejaculation.
The contraceptive injection is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when readministered after the effects wear off. The most common injection, depot medroxyprogesterone acetate or Depo-Provera, is capable of preventing pregnancy for up to 12 weeks. Contraceptive injections can be administered in different dosages and target different injection sites. Depo-Provera is typically injected into the muscles, while Depo-SubQProvera is a smaller dose that is injected just beneath the skin. Both dosages produce similar effects and are useful tools when preventing pregnancy.
Contraceptive injections have additional benefits alongside preventing pregnancy. As a long-acting method, the injection does not require users to remember to take daily action to induce a contraceptive effect. Injection users also don’t have to worry about interrupting sexual encounters to ensure that the contraceptive method is being used properly. Depo-Provera injections have been administered to mitigate or completely eliminate the painful symptoms of menstruation and decrease the risk of endometrial cancer.
Researchers developing non-hormonal male contraceptives are working to create a reversible vasectomy that involves injecting a hydrogel polymer into the vas deferens to block the flow of sperm. The gel is removed by flushing each vas deferens when users decide to regain their fertility. This long-acting method was designed to prevent sperm from exiting the urethra, without affecting pleasure during ejaculation.
Nuts & Bolts: Injectables
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