Contraceptive injection

How does it work?

The hormones in the contraceptive injection make sure that you don’t get pregnant. There are two options. A monthly injection (protected against pregnancy for 4 weeks). Or 3 monthly injection (protected against pregnancy for 12 weeks).

What you need to know

• Ask your doctor if this injection is suitable for you
• A doctor or nurse gives you the injection. So, you have to go to your healthcare provider for each injection
• A contraceptive injection protects you for 4 or 12 weeks. This depends on the injection you choose

Where can you get the contraceptive injection?

You must receive the injection from a healthcare provider. So go to your doctor or Fundashon Famia Plania. The injection ranges in price from around 12 to 20 guilders depending on the one you choose. 

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

• You only need to think about it once every 1 or 3 months
• You’ll have your period less often. After 1 year, your period usually stops completely
• The injection is even reliable if you’re vomiting or have diarrhea
• Nobody can tell that you are using contraception

Disadvantages:

• You have to go to your doctor every 1 or 3 months to have an injection
• You can’t get rid of any side effects straight away. The hormones in the contraceptive injection stay in your body for 3 months
• When you do stop, it may take anything from a couple of months to a year before you’re fertile again
• You may have bleeds between periods
• You may have some unexpected vaginal bleeding

Are there any side effects?

When you start having the contraceptive injection, you might have some side effects. That’s because your body has to get used to the hormones the injection contains. Possible side effects are:

• irregular blood loss
• headaches
• acne
• hair loss
• painful breasts
• low moods
• weight gain

Usually, the side effects disappear after a couple of months. If you’re having trouble with them, get in touch with your doctor.

Bleeds

If you have contraceptive injections, you may have some unexpected vaginal bleeding.

When do you run the risk of pregnancy?

If you are too late getting your next contraceptive injection (later than 1 or 3 months).

STIs

Remember: the contraceptive injection doesn’t protect against STIs. To prevent STIs you should use condoms.