- There are three basic types of birth control injections. The first type contains only the synthetic hormone progestin, while the second type contains a mix of both synthetic estrogen and synthetic progestin. The third time contains synthetic progestin norethisterone enantate.
- Progestin-only injections provide protection from pregnancy for 12 weeks. There are two types of progestin-only shots: Depo-Provera and Depo-subQ Provera. Synthetic progestin suppresses ovulation and thickens cervical mucus, thereby preventing pregnancy. Progestin-only injections are 97 to 99.5 percent effective at pregnancy prevention. It can raise the risk of osteoporosis. It may cause weight gain, hot flashes, headaches, nervousness, bloating, breast tenderness, menstrual changes such as heavy or no bleeding, mood changes and decreased sex drive. Gynecologists administer this shot in their office.
- Mixed-type injections only provide protection from pregnancy for a month. The types of mixed-type injections include Lunelle, Mesigyna and Cyclofem. Mixed-type injections prevent pregnancy by suppressing ovulation and preventing implantation of an egg. These shots have the same side effects as the progestin-only shot as well as nausea and vomiting. A woman receives these shots at her gynecologist's office. These mixed-type injections are 99 percent effective.
- These injections contain a synthetic progestin called norethisterone. It provides protection from pregnancy for eight weeks. This synthetic progestin works by releasing the synthetic progestin continuously during those eight weeks. Women can only get this shot at the doctor's office. A gynecologist is most likely to prescribe it. The side effects of the shot include mood swings. This injection differs from the progestin-only shot because it is reversible. The progestin norethisterone shot is 97 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.
- The type of shot a woman chooses depends on her individual needs. Progestin-only types of birth control injections prevent pregnancy for the longest time of all the types of injections. Progestin norethisterone enantate injections are reversible, while mixed-type and progestin only injections are not. Mixed-type injections are monthly, so women who want to become pregnant don't have to wait 12 weeks to try to conceive. Norethisterone enantate is not available in the United States, but is a common choice as contraception in other countries.
- Birth control injections do not provide any protection against sexually transmitted diseases. No birth control is 100 percent effective, so there is a chance of pregnancy even when on birth control injections. If a woman misses a shot or gets a shot late, she must use another form of protection to prevent pregnancy. According to the American College of Gynecology (ACOG), the hormones in birth control shots can cause mental issues in some women. Report any mood changes to the doctor immediately. The ACOG also reports that estrogen increases the risk of a blood clot. If a woman is at-risk for blood clots, this type of injection is not a good choice.
Comments
jasminemars said
on 8/15/2009 Comprehensive, well written article, 5*!