Contraception: Injections

There are two types of injection in the UK: Depo-provera, which lasts for up to 12 weeks, and Noristerat which lasts for 8.

Also known as: Depo
Where can I get it and how does it work?
The contraceptive progestogen is injected into your bum at 8 or 12 week intervals at your family planning clinic and some doctor's surgeries. This hormone thickens the cervix so it's harder for sperm to get through, it makes the womb lining thinner and it stops an egg being produced.
How effective is it?
It's 99% effective.
What are the good points about it?
If you don't like taking pills, then injections are a good idea and you can get them for free from your family planning clinic. It lasts for the full 8 or 12 weeks. Both of the jabs have also been found to help protect against ovarian cysts and ectopic pregnancies.
What are the bad points about it?
You have to go back to the clinic to have it every 8 or 12 weeks. It can cause heavy, irregular or longer periods and some women stop having periods altogether. You can get headaches and experience weight gain and it can take you, on average, up to 18 months to be fully fertile again after you stop having it. They also don't protect you from sexually-transmitted infections. You will need to use condoms during sex for this.

Next: Find out about contraceptive implants

Where next?
- Injections and acne
- More about sexually-transmitted infections
- Find out about post-birth contraception
- Tips for dealing with your doctor
- Talking to your teen about sex and relationships
- Overweight and worried about using the injection? Our diet pages have loads of inspiration and tips
- Share your experiences of using different types of contraception with other goodtoknow users

Sources and other help:
Family Planning Association
BBC Health
NHS Direct
Netdoctor.co.uk