Advantages of injectable contraception
• It is highly reliable.
• It is very convenient for some, and is not related to intercourse.
• It is a reversible form of contraception (though usually with some delay).
• It reduces menstrual problems after an initial period where there may be irregular bleeding.
• To have no periods could be an advantage to women who have difficulty coping with menstrual hygiene (for example some physically and intellectually disabled women).
• It can be used by women who can’t tolerate or shouldn’t take oestrogens.
• It can be used during lactation. Some new progestogens that can’t be absorbed through the bowel are being developed for injection. Using these during breast-feeding would eliminate any possibility of long-term risks from tiny amounts of hormone being absorbed by the baby from breast milk. This type of progestogen can pass from the mother’s blood into the milk but can’t be absorbed by the infant.
Disadvantages of injectable contraception
• The greatest disadvantage is that, once given, the injection can’t be removed. Users who want to stop because of side effects or because they want to become pregnant must wait for the effect of the injection to wear off.
• The most common reason for stopping is unpredictable bleeding patterns; for some women these are chaotic.
• Return to fertility may be delayed.
• Some women don’t like injections.
• There is the potential for abuse in administering these injections.
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