The Contraceptive Injection

The Contraceptive Injection

Contraceptives effectiveness stat
Contraceptives effectiveness stat
The contraceptive injection can be a great alternative to the contraceptive pill - especially for people who are forgetful. Just like the contraceptive pill, it contains hormones which prevent pregnancy. Instead of having to take the hormones as tablets every day, women who use the contraceptive injection visit their GP for a jab which lasts a number of months.

Last reviewed: 14/11/2019 by Dr Clair Grainger

Important Questions

Do I still need to use a condom?

Yes - every time you have sex with someone whose STI-status you do not know. The injection does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, herpes or HIV.

Can I get pregnant as soon as I stop using the injection?


It is possible, so you should use extra contraception if you do not want to become pregnant. However, you shouldn’t choose the injection if you want to have a baby in the near future. It can take up to a year before you are fertile again.

Is the injection suitable for all women?

No. Whether you can use a contraceptive injection depends on your age, health and lifestyle. Women with certain medical conditions, for example liver problems, breast cancer, osteoporosis or a disease of the arteries cannot use it. Your GP will need to check your medical history carefully before prescribing the injection.

Is the injection suitable for women of all ages?

No. The contraceptive injection lowers your levels of oestrogen and it can decrease the density of your bones. For this reason, it is not recommended for women under the age of 18 or over 50, unless no other option is acceptable.

Can I continue using the injection over many years?


Because it can cause thinning of the bones, the injection should not be used permanently without careful consideration of the benefits and risks. If you are planning to use it for more than two years, you should discuss the risks with your prescribing doctor. 

What do I do if my injection is late?

If it has been 14 weeks or more since your last Depo-Provera or Sayana Press injection or 10 weeks or more since your last Noristerat injection and you have unprotected sex then emergency contraception is needed to prevent pregnancy.