Injection: birth control
Hormonal injections are a long-acting form of birth control for women, but they do not protect against STIs.
Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ Sexual Health Clinic can prescribe and give hormone injections.
What are hormone injections?
Hormonal injections are a long-acting form of contraception for women. The injection contains the hormone progestin and you receive it from a health care provider once every three months.
How do hormone injections work?
The injection prevents the ovary from releasing an egg. It also thickens the cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg.
How effective are hormone injections?
The injection is 99.7% effective when used correctly.
What are the possible side effects of using hormone injections?
- irregular periods for the first few months
- weight gain
- decreased bone strength
What are the advantages of using hormone injections?
- you don’t have to do anything before or after sex
- you only have to get an injection every three months
- lighter and eventually no periods
What are the disadvantages of using hormone injections?
- it may delay your ability to get pregnant for up to nine months after the last injection
- you must visit a clinic or health care provider every three months for your injection
- you need a prescription
Where can I get a hormone injection?
A hormone injection can be prescribed and administered by:
- your health care provider
- Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ Sexual Health Clinic
- a walk-in-clinic
*Hormonal injections offer no protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS.
This item was last modified on July 30, 2021