Birth control by injection is an effective alternative used which has its own advantages and disadvantages. The most effective and popular form of this type of contraceptive is Depo-Provera. This injection works in the same way as the hormonal pill Progestogen. It does not contain estrogen.
DMPA, Depo-Provera is an injection of synthetic hormone medroxyprogesterone acetate which is given by health care professional and is injected into the woman’s buttocks or the arm muscle. The pregnancy prevention begins after twenty four hours of the injection. This injection prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs. The woman has to take the injection once every twelve weeks. That means this injection can be given every three months and you do not have to take it regularly like the pills.
Advantages:
DMPA is extremely effective as the failure rate within the first year of use is only 0.3%. It is advantageous as it does not produce any side effects as estrogen such as blood clotting. Irregular periods become regular. It also lowers the risk of certain endometrial and ovarian cancers.
Disadvantages:
The injection has the disadvantage that it does not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases. DMPA can delay the return of fertility if women have used it for a longer period. Problems such as menstrual irregularities, headaches, dizziness, nausea, hair loss, depression and weight gain can continue for about one year after the last injection.
There are some serious risks associated with Depo-Provera such as loss of bone density which could result in osteoporosis. This injection is not recommended for long time use as it causes deficiency of calcium causing osteoporosis. The women who are on this injection are advised to take a lot of calcium. Depo-Provera is especially not recommended for young females as their bones are still growing.
Lunelle
Lunelle, a monthly birth control shot has both synthetic estrogen and progesterone hormones. It can be injected into the arm, thigh or rear. Lunelle prevents eggs from being released from the ovaries. It thickens the cervical mucus and makes it difficult for the sperm to enter the uterus. You do not have to take it regularly as the pill. Although it is 99% effective it does not protect against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. It is taken within a month. If the shot is given after a month (33 days) then it may not be effective. It is recommended to take the next shot within 28 to 30 days. If you are unable to take the injection within a month then you should use condoms and spermecides.
One of the common side effective of Lunelle is irregular bleeding which could range from no bleeding to heavy bleeding. There are other side effectives such as weight gain, fluid retention, nausea, breast tenderness, headaches, nervousness, mood changes or depression, change in sexual desire, dizziness, rash, or vaginal infections. Lunelle should not be used by women who have high blood pressure, breast or uterine cancer, diabetes, allergies to hormones and women who have history of blood clots.
Find more information visit: Birth Control by Injection [http://www.keepcondom.com/articles/birth-control/birthcontrol-injection.htm]