Contraceptive injection

Depo shot, Depo-Provera, birth control shot.

An injection that contains one hormone (progestogen). It lasts for 12 weeks (around 3 months).

The progestogen in the contraceptive injection is called depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA).

Some of the more common uses of the contraceptive injection include:

• preventing pregnancy
• skipping periods
• reducing period pain
• reducing heavy period bleeding

The contraceptive injection works by:

• stopping ovulation (eggs being released from the ovaries)
• thickening cervical mucus so sperm can’t get through to the fallopian tubes (where eggs are fertilised)
• thinning the lining of the uterus so if an egg is fertilised, it is less likely to implant to start a pregnancy

The contraceptive injection can start working quickly to prevent pregnancy, but the timing depends on when you start taking it in your menstrual cycle.

If you get the contraceptive injection within the first 5 days of your period starting, you are protected straight away.

If you get the contraceptive injection more than 5 days after your last period started, it will take 7 days before you are protected against pregnancy. Use backup contraception (e.g. condoms) or avoid having sex for those first 7 days to prevent pregnancy.

Typical use: 96% effective.

Perfect use: 99.8% effective.

• Get the injection on time (every 12 weeks).

The contraceptive injection is less effective if you:

• get the injection late (more than 14 weeks since your last injection)

No.

Internal and external condoms are the only types of contraception that protect against STIs.

The contraceptive injection must be given every 12 weeks (around 3 months), with a maximum gap of 14 weeks between doses. As it must be given by a healthcare professional, it requires repeat appointments.

The contraceptive injection is very discreet.

A small mark might be visible where you get the needle on the day you get the injection, but this usually fades within a week. You may have some bruising and tenderness where you get the needle.

As with all medications, some people may experience side effects.

Some possible side effects include:

• headaches
• acne
• mood changes
• altered bleeding patterns weight gain
• decrease in libido (less interest in sex)
• decrease in bone density

Some people experience no side effects or experience positive changes while using the contraceptive injection. Side effects can settle after a few months. If the side effects of the contraceptive injection bother you, you may want to try a different type of contraception.

Some common health conditions and lifestyle factors that may stop you from using the contraceptive injection include:

• history of stroke
• heart disease (current or past)
• breast cancer (current or past)
• severe liver disease or liver cancer
• unexplained vaginal bleeding

The contraceptive injection is usually not advised for people younger than 18 years or older than 50 years due to its effect on bone density.

It is important to talk with a healthcare professional about your full medical history when deciding which contraception option is the safest and most suitable for you.

You will need a prescription. You can get one from a doctor (either a GP or relevant specialist, e.g. a gynaecologist), nurse practitioner or pharmacist (in some states and territories). They should ask you questions about your medical history and might do some tests to ensure that the injection is a safe option for you before prescribing.

It is possible to get a prescription at:

• a GP clinic
• a specialist appointment
• a telehealth appointment (online or over the phone)
• sexual health clinics
• family planning clinics

Once you have a prescription, the contraceptive injection can be bought at most pharmacies, including online pharmacies.

You will then need to take the injection back to your healthcare professional or clinic, and they will give you the injection. The injection is given into your buttock or upper arm muscle. You do not give the injection to yourself.

The contraceptive injection is listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), which makes it cheaper for those who hold a current Medicare card.

The contraceptive injection will need to be bought every 12 weeks. The cost for each injection is:

• PBS price: up to $25
• PBS price for concession card holders: up to $7.70
• Private prescription: $20–30

Although some healthcare professionals bulk bill (which means you won’t pay anything to see them), some may charge out-of-pocket costs for the appointments you will need to get the injection.

No, the contraceptive injection has no impact on long-term fertility.

However, it can take between 6–18 months from your last injection for your fertility to return to normal.

You can start using the contraceptive injection straight after having a baby, even if you are breastfeeding. You should start using the contraceptive injection within 21 days of giving birth to avoid pregnancy.