Contraceptive injection

What is it?

The contraceptive injection is an injection containing the hormone progestogen.

There are three types of injectable contraceptives:

• Depo-Provera, which lasts for 12 weeks
• Sayana Press, which lasts for 13 weeks
• Noristerat, which lasts for 8 weeks

Depo-Provera is more commonly used in the UK. One contraceptive injection can protect you from pregnancy for between 8 and 13 weeks.

How does it work?

Contraceptive injections work by stopping ovulation, thickening the mucus around the cervix (the neck of the womb), which makes it harder for sperm to get through, and making the lining of the womb thinner so that a fertilised egg cannot implant.

Who can give the injection?

Contraceptive injections can be given by a doctor or nurse. You can visit an Umbrella clinic to receive a contraceptive injection.