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What is it?
The most common form of hormonal injection used in the United States is Depo-Provera. Every three months, a shot of hormone is injected into your body to prevent pregnancy from occurring. Hormonal injections do not prevent sexually transmitted diseases or infections.
How does it work?
Hormonal injections are a progestin-based shot that is injected into your body. Over the course of three months, the hormones work to prevent you from ovulating. If no egg reaches the uterus where it may come into contact with sperm, pregnancy will be avoided. The hormones also alter the lining of your uterus, making sperm penetration very difficult.
How effective are Hormonal Injections?
The number of pregnancies that result from women who use hormonal injections is very low. Some studies report that hormonal injections are 99.7% effective at preventing pregnancy. It is recommended that you get a shot every 12 weeks in order to keep the hormone levels in your body consistent.
Advantages of Hormonal Injections
· Long-term effective contraceptive protection from pregnancy
· Does not require partner involvement
· Menstruation ceases to occur
· Lowers risk of an ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, and ovarian cancer
Disadvantages of Hormonal Injections
· Requires a visit to your health care provider once every three months
· Should you decide to become pregnant, it may take up to 6 months for the effects of the injection to leave your body
· May experience weight gain, menstrual irregularities or mood changes.
· New studies suggest that there may be a loss of bone density with more than 2 years on Depo which may not be able to be reversed, leading to osteoporosis later in life.
· Does not protect you from STDs and other infections
How can I get a Hormonal Injection?
Most abortion providers in our directory offer the Depo Provera or a generic equivalent for an extra fee at the time of an abortion. Talk with your reproductive health care provider about whether or not this option is best for you.
Birth Control Pill Hormonal Injections IUD The Male Condom Spermicide Vaginal Barriers Emergency Contraception
For more resources, go to www.ChoiceLinkup.com.
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