Local Contraceptives > Injectables
Injectables
For those who have trouble following the routine required by taking pills, you can ask your doctor for injectables or “the shot” instead. There are two types of injectable contraceptives: the Progestin-Only Injectables (POIs) and Combined Injectable Contraceptives (CICs). Injectables work the same way as pills do, by preventing ovulation.
Types of Injectables
1. Progestin-Only Injectables (POIs)
These contain the synthetic hormone progestin that mimics the
actions of progesterone, a natural hormone that your body makes after ovulation. After taking a POI shot,
the progestin stops ovulation, thickens your cervical mucus, and thins the lining of your uterus.
The specific POIs offered locally is the DMPA (Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate),
with brand names Depo-Provera or Depo-Trust.
Common
side effects
CICs may change your menstrual pattern. Some people have lighter or shorter periods,
which can even help with anemia and reduce cramps. Like other hormonal methods,
it might cause dizziness, mild breast tenderness, nausea, headaches, or slight
weight gain, especially at first. These usually become more manageable after a few months.
It may also interact with certain anti-epileptic medications, so it's best to check in with a
healthcare provider if you're taking other meds.
2. Combined Injectable Contraceptives (CICs)
These are monthly injectable preparations that contain a
short-acting natural estrogen and a long-acting progestin which are slowly released into the body
from 28 to 30 days.
These help prevent ovulation from occuring, when administered correctly. After injection, CICs are effective
immediately.
Norifam is the most common CIC brand you might find in the Philippines.
Common
side effects
POIs can cause changes in your period,
especially in the first few months. Some people experience irregular bleeding or stop getting periods altogether.
While the absence of menstruation can help prevent anemia.
With long-term use, it may lead to bone loss due to lower estrogen levels, although
this may still be reversible. Some also report mood changes or a lower libido.
Similar to CICs, these changes still have varying effects from person to person.