Birth control is one of those things that most people use in their lives, however, it’s not talked about as much as you’d think. There are a bunch of different birth control options, with the most popular generally being a tablet that is taken daily. When I was exploring birth control options, the tablet wasn’t a good fit for me – the side effects were terrible, I didn’t like having to remember these tablets and needing to carry them around when I travelled – it just all felt really inconvenient. So I looked into the Depo-Provera which is an injection based birth control. For me, this is the best possible birth control and I have had a good time on it.
Does the Depo-Provera injection cost?
In the United Kingdom, birth control is free, so getting the depo injection is as easy as asking a clinic if you can have it, having them go over your health so far, and then switching over.
How long does injection birth control last?
You will need to get another injection every 11 or 12 weeks, depending on your body. If you find yourself spotting between visits, you can do 11 weeks, otherwise the average is 12. Waiting longer than 12 weeks will cause your birth control to stop working, so you do want to make sure that you are getting your injection in a timely manner, but you do have a few days to play around with.
How effective is injection birth control?
Injection birth control, if taken properly, is over 99 percent effective – so the same as most birth control when done correctly and on time.
What are the side effects?
This is an injection, so you will feel a pinch at the injection point. When I first got my injections, I found that I always had a headache and felt a bit “yuck” for the next 24 hours, but was fine after that. I also found that I had a lower want to have sex, generally speaking, while on this medication. There are long term side effects that have to do with your bone density, so if you are planning on using injection birth control for a long amount of time, you will be required to get your bone density checked. But, that’s often after 10 years of continual use. Your period also will not come back instantly after coming off injection birth control and it might take up to a year for it to return.
Can birth control injections stop my period?
Yes, they can. You do need to get your first injection when you are on your period, otherwise it is recommended to abstain from unprotected sex for at least a couple of weeks, to be on the safe side. After my first injection, I found that I only had spotting from time to time. After a year of it, I don’t find myself ever spotting or having any symptoms that come with a period, which has been a fantastic side effect, if I am honest.
Can I take injection birth control without a Doctor?
Birth control can be an awkward thing and going to the doctors every few weeks can be annoying. Most places in the United Kingdom do allow you to start injecting yourself with your depo vera injection after you’ve had a few doses at the doctors. You can talk to them about this option, though mine always offered it. They do require you to come in for a specific appointment where they allow you to inject yourself and show you how, then you can start picking up your injection from your local pharmacy and doing it all on your own.
What happens if I want to have a baby?
Unlike other birth control options, coming off of the birth control injection it’s normally very unlikely that you’ll get pregnant within the next 6 to 12 months. After that, your body’s hormones will return to normal and you will be more likely. This does mean that you might need to play ahead, especially if you have been on injection birth control for a significant amount of time, as it will take time for your body to adjust.
What happens in my Doctor’s Appointment for the depo vera injection?
This probably depends on where you are going and what country you are in. I live in the United Kingdom and my appointment takes less than 15 minutes. Each time, I go in, say I am there and wait in the waiting room. Then a nurse comes to get me and takes my blood pressure and weight. The place I go to, they don’t show you your weight or talk to you about it. Then I go back to the waiting room. When my doctor is ready, I get called in. She normally confirms my information (if I am in the same relationship, if I have ever been in a forced relationship, if I am happy on my birth control, if I have started any new medications, that sort of thing). Once that is done, it’s time to be injected. It’s done on the sort of upper bum area (above your trousers), on opposites sides each time. Then I leave and make my next appointment on the way out. I have previously had a male doctor and when I simply asked reception to have a female one instead, they’ve put a note on my file and I’ve only had female going forward.