Quarterly contraceptive injection: what it is, advantages and how to use it

The quarterly contraceptive injection contains only one progesterone, medroxyprogesterone acetate, with the advantage of having a longer effect, in addition to being an option for women who cannot use estrogen, such as combined pills.

This type of contraceptive acts by inhibiting ovulation and increasing the viscosity of cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to pass through, preventing pregnancy. It is found under the commercial names Depo-Provera or Contracep, for example, and is offered free of charge by the SUS. Learn how to use Depo-Provera.

Generally, for fertility to return to normal, it takes around 4 months after the end of treatment, but some women may notice that menstruation takes around 1 year to return to normal after stopping using this contraceptive method.

Advantages of quarterly injection

The quarterly contraceptive injection has some advantages, such as:

1. It contains only progesterone, which is slowly absorbed by the body, which makes the effect of this contraceptive last longer;
2. Because it only contains progesterone, it can be a safe option for women who cannot use contraceptives that contain estrogen, such as combined pills;
3. Promotes the reduction of menstrual flow;
4. Menstruation can completely stop during the three months, although, in some cases, small bleeds may appear during the month;
5. Combats PMS symptoms;
6. Reduces the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer and pelvic inflammatory disease;
7. It can be used to help control the symptoms of endometriosis;
8. As it is injectable, gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea or vomiting, do not affect its effectiveness;
9. It can be an option for women who forget, have difficulty taking or have many side effects from oral contraceptives.

This quarterly injectable contraceptive is also a good option for women with sickle cell anemia or who have epilepsy or seizures, as the estrogen in combination pills can decrease the effectiveness of medications that treat epilepsy.

The quarterly contraceptive injection must be done with the recommendation of the gynecologist, individually and after assessing the general health status.

Make an appointment with a gynecologist in the nearest region:

How to use

The administration of the quarterly injectable contraceptive must be carried out by a healthcare professional, intramuscularly, that is, applied directly to the gluteal muscle.

To start using the quarterly contraceptive injection, one must consider whether or not the woman was already using another hormonal contraceptive method or whether she is in the postpartum period, the recommendations being:

• When no other hormonal contraceptive has been previously used: the first injection must be applied until the 5th day of the menstrual cycle, which is equivalent to the 5th day after the first day of menstruation, having an immediate effect. However, it is recommended to use a barrier condom during the first two weeks to avoid unwanted pregnancy;
• After giving birth, if the woman is not breastfeeding: the first injection must be given within the first 5 days postpartum;
• After childbirth if the woman is exclusively breastfeeding: the first injection should only be applied from the 6th week postpartum;
• Changing oral contraceptives (pills), vaginal rings or patches for the quarterly injection: the first dose of the injection should be done the next day or up to 7 days after taking the last pill, removing the vaginal ring or patch, as advised by the gynecologist.

After a period of 12 to 13 weeks, with a maximum interval of 13 weeks (or 91 days), the woman should receive another dose of the injection, regardless of whether or not there was bleeding. Thus, it is possible to maintain hormonal levels to guarantee the contraceptive effect.

It is important to highlight that The quarterly contraceptive injection does not prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and it is important to always use a condom in all sexual relations. Check out the main STIs.

What to do if you forget to take the injection

If a woman forgets to take her next injection and 91 days have passed, she must perform a pregnancy test using a blood test.

If the woman is not pregnant, she should speak to the doctor, who will decide the date of the next injection, however, the woman must use a condom for the period of time indicated by the doctor.

However, If the pregnancy is confirmed, you should not take the quarterly contraceptive injection.

Possible side effects

The most common side effects that may occur during use of the quarterly injection are nervousness, headache, abdominal pain and discomfort, weight gain and breast tenderness.

In addition, depression, decreased sexual desire, dizziness, nausea, bloating, hair loss, acne, rash, back pain, vaginal discharge, breast tenderness, fluid retention and weakness may also occur.

When it is not indicated

The quarterly contraceptive injection is not recommended in some situations, such as:

• Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy;
• Known hypersensitivity to medroxyprogesterone acetate or any component of the formula;
• Vaginal bleeding of undiagnosed cause;
• Suspected or confirmed breast cancer;
• Severe changes in liver function;
• Active thrombophlebitis or current or past history of thromboembolic or cerebrovascular disorders;
• History of missed abortion.

Therefore, if a woman falls into any of these situations, it is important that the gynecologist is consulted so that an assessment can be carried out and the best contraceptive method can be indicated. Learn about other contraceptive methods.