How does it work?

• Releases the hormone progestogen. This stops you ovulating, thickens the mucus in the cervix (neck of the womb) to prevent sperm reaching the egg and thins the lining of the womb so that a fertilised egg can’t implant. 
• Watch this video to learn how to self-inject

What’s good about it?

There are 2 forms of injectable contraception and both last 13 weeks. One can be self-injected and this means you can usually get a prescription for 4 injections (a year's supply) so less visits to the clinic/GP surgery.

The other is given every 13 weeks by a health care professional, for people who prefer this option.

• With typical use, is 96% effective (around 4 in 100 women will become pregnant in 1 year)
• Lasts for 13 weeks.
• Not affected by other medicines, diarrhoea or vomiting.

What might the disadvantages be?

• Periods may stop, be irregular or last longer.
• Fertility (ability to get pregnant) may take time to return after stopping injections.
• Injection can’t be removed from the body, so any side effects may continue for as long as the injection works.
• Some women may gain weight.

Where can I get it?

• You can get get it from your GP or local sexual health clinic.

For more detailed information about this method and also more information on which method to choose visit: 

https://www.contraceptionchoices.org/whats-right-for-me/ 

https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/contraception