08080019

Injectable

Providing 2-3 months of contraceptive protection

An effective, long-acting and reversible method of contraception

A contraceptive injectable contains a hormone that is injected into the body that stops eggs being released.

Injectables are a very effective method of contraception when used correctly.

To continue being effective, you must make sure to return for an injection every 2-3 months, otherwise you risk the chance of becoming pregnant.

Effectiveness

99% - If one hundred women used an injectable for a year and carried on with their normal sex life then only one of those women would fall pregnant during that period.

Availability

Injectables are available at all of our clinic locations.

Pricing

Please contact our team for more information about pricing.

If you're starting to use contraception for the first time, or thinking about using a new method, it's a good idea to have a full consultation.

Call us toll-free for a confidential chat

0808 00 19/20

Get in touch

Find our locations that offer contraception and family planning services

Injectable advantages

Injectables offer numerous advantages as a long-acting, reversible method of contraception.

  • The procedure is very quick and painless
  • Provide up to 12 weeks of very effective contraception
  • May help with heavy periods.

These benefits come from the correct use of an injectable when administered by a trained provider. If using an injectable, you should also make sure to follow any product manufacturer instructions.

Things to consider

When deciding if an injectable is right for you, here are a few quick facts you should consider:

  • Some women may find they have spotting and bleeding for the first few weeks, but this usually settles down
  • Periods may stop, but this is nothing to worry about
  • Fertility may take up to a year to return after stopping
  • Will not protect from STI/HIV
  • As it is an injection, if you have any symptoms, such as bleeding, you cannot reverse this method immediately.

Other methods of contraception at a glance

Oral contraceptive pill

Oral contraceptive pill

The contraceptive pill is a short-acting contraceptive method.

Contraceptive pills contain hormones, similar to those naturally produced by a woman’s body. The pill needs to be taken at the same time every day to effectively prevent pregnancy. It’s ability to prevent pregnancy depends on a person using it correctly.

Condoms

Condoms

Male and females condoms are a barrier contraception method for preventing pregnancy and STIs.

When used correctly, condoms are highly effective. Condoms are also the only contraceptive method that protect against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV and syphilis

Contraceptive implant

Contraceptive implant

The implant is a highly effective, long-acting and reversible method of contraception.

It consists of either 1 or 2 small plastic rods that are placed in the upper arm and, depending on the product used, is effective at preventing pregnancy for 3 to 5 years.

Intrauterine device

Intrauterine device

The IUD is a highly effective (99%), long-acting and reversible method of contraception.

It is a small, T-shaped device that is made from plastic and copper and works by stopping a man's sperm from meeting an egg and/or by stopping an egg implanting in the uterus. The procedure for inserting an IUD is simple, only taking a few minutes by a trained person. 

Tubal ligation

Tubal ligation

Tubal ligation is a permanent, irreversible contraceptive solution for women.

It is suitable for women who are sure they don't want anymore children.

The method involves a short surgical procedure, performed by a highly trained doctor that prevents woman's eggs and the man's sperm meeting, so a pregnancy can't occur.

Vasectomy

Vasectomy

A surgical procedure for providing a permanent contraceptive solution for men.

A vasectomy is a contraceptive method suitable for men who are sure they don't want anymore children.

It's a popular method of family planning chosen by millions of men worldwide. It's safe, effective and offers a permanent solution to contraceptive needs.

Oral contraceptive pill

The contraceptive pill is a short-acting contraceptive method.

Contraceptive pills contain hormones, similar to those naturally produced by a woman’s body. The pill needs to be taken at the same time every day to effectively prevent pregnancy. It’s ability to prevent pregnancy depends on a person using it correctly.

How an injectable works

The injection is usually administered in the arm, thigh or buttock by a trained provider.

It only takes a few minutes to have the injection.  It can take up to 7 days before the injection starts to work if you have not previously used a contraceptive injectable. You can use a condom for those 7 days.

Depending on the type of injectable given, another injection will be required in 2-3 months times to continue being an effective contraceptive method.

Looking for more information about injectables?

Try visiting our frequently asked questions.

Injectable aftercare advice

If you have your first injectable on day 1 to 5 of a period, it will work straight away. At any other time, extra precautions, such as condoms or abstaining from sex will be required for 7 days. 

If you've recently had an abortion, you can have an injectable following your treatment. It will be given to you during your treatment and will work straight away. It will then last a further 12 weeks before another injection is required.

You may need to use protection for 7 days after your first injectable to prevent pregnancy.

Find your best fit

If you are unsure what method is best for you, take our online contraception quiz.

Get started

© Marie Stopes International 2023.

Privacy policy