Birth Control Injection Effectiveness
All types of injectables are effective in protecting against pregnancy. However, you must remember to take your shots regularly and on time. When taken regularly, monthly contraceptive injections are 97% effective in preventing pregnancy, while progestin injections are 96% effective. The risk of pregnancy also increases when you miss an injection.
The other benefits of monthly injectable contraceptives are similar to those of the Combined Pill. The only difference is in the effect of the two on the liver. Since the injectable is not administered orally, it has been evidenced to have little effect on the liver [7].
Specific benefits of Progestin-only injectables
Health Benefits
They are good for women who cannot use a contraceptive method with estrogen.
They can be used throughout breastfeeding, starting six weeks after giving birth.
DMPA:
- is a good fit for women with a blood pressure of over 160/110 mm Hg;
- may help to reduce the severity of sickle cell pain among women with sickle cell disease;
- may decrease symptoms (irregular bleeding, pelvic pain) associated with endometriosis;
- may help protect against endometrial cancer;
- may help to protect against uterine fibroids;
- may help to protect against iron-deficiency anemia; and
- may help to reduce the frequency of seizures in women with epilepsy [8].
Other than providing protection against pregnancy and the associated risks, NET-EN:
- may help to protect against iron-deficiency anemia; and
- may also offer many other benefits similar to those offered by DMPA.
Lifestyle benefits
The injectable is a great option for those looking for short-term contraceptives. An injection will protect you for 4 to 13 weeks.
It’s low effort. You just need to remember to get a shot regularly (depending on the type). You don’t have to worry about doing anything before sex.
Progestin-only injectables are not affected by other medicines.
The injectable might be a good option if you do not want to take a pill daily. You only need to remember to visit your healthcare facility for a shot.
It does not interrupt the heat of the moment.
It’s discreet. No one can tell when you have used the injectable. There is no packaging and nothing you need to do before you have sex.
Can antibiotics affect my Contraceptive Injection?
Rifamycin antibiotics. Most antibiotics do not reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives. The only exception is Rifamycin antibiotics. They include rifabutin, rifapentine, and Rifampicin. These are drugs commonly used to treat bacterial infections, but mostly, Tuberculosis. Rifamycin antibiotics are known to induce the excessive production of enzymes that affects the levels of hormones in one’s blood. Using a Rifamycin antibiotic while on a combined injection reduces the effectiveness of this hormonal contraceptive and exposes you to the risk of getting pregnant. These antibiotics do not affect the effectiveness of progestin-only injectables.
If you are using a Rifamycin antibiotic while on a combined contraceptive, use a backup barrier method like condoms or a diaphragm during your treatment and for 28 more days after finishing your treatment. If your treatment is required to go on for more than two months, discuss with your healthcare provider about switching to a different contraceptive method.
What are the chances of getting pregnant after stopping the Birth control shots?
Once stopped, Contraceptive Injections are known to delay a person’s return to fertility, and you may need to wait longer before you can become pregnant. Typically, DMPA will cause about a 4 – 12-month delay, while NET-EN and monthly injectables will cause a one-month delay compared to other contraceptive methods. Women who stop using injectable contraceptives should use a different contraceptive method immediately, even if their period has not returned [6].
Does the birth control shot help with acne?
Unlike other hormonal contraceptives like the vaginal ring, Contraceptive Patch, and combined pills the birth control shot does not help with acne. If you are prone to acne, discussing your contraceptive options with your healthcare provider is important.
