Injectable Contraceptives

In the last decade another method of contraception has slowly grown in popularity. The injectable contraceptive, while still fairly new on the market, is slowly gaining acceptance. In the middle 1980s it was being used in eighty six countries worldwide, but it was not until the year 2000 that is began to be used in the United States having finally won approval from the FDA. Injectable contraceptives work very similar to the Pill. They release hormones into the body that prevent ovulation. That means that the fallopian tubes do not send an egg down. They also work to thicken the mucus in the region of the cervix. By doing this is makes it harder for the sperm to enter. This double hit of contraception has a ninety nine percent success rate. There are a couple of types to choose from. One requires a shot every twelve weeks while another needs the patient to come in every eight weeks for another injection.

Studies conducted in the middle 1990s showed a fairly positive reaction by the women who took part in the trials. Eighty four percent of them felt that it was a method that was worth using. Eighty seven percent felt no inconvenience by having to return regularly to their health care provider for their injections. Ninety percent felt it was something that worked satisfactorily enough that they would recommend it to a close friend or family member.

There are many advantages to this method of birth control. To begin with, there is no longer the need to take a pill every day. Many women use the Pill because of its high success rate, but few enjoy the routine of daily pill taking. Unlike some methods of birth control the act of lovemaking does not have to be interrupted to put the contraceptive into place. As well, this contraceptive seems to give some protection against cancer of the uterus. The biggest disadvantage to this method is that it does nothing to protect a couple against sexually transmitted diseases; also called STDs. Unfortunately very few methods do. That is why some couples still use condoms even though there is little worry about the woman becoming pregnant if she is using an injectable.

Not all women can use this method. To begin with it is suggested that it not be used by anyone under sixteen. As well, there are certain medications that cannot be used in conjunction with the injectable contraceptive. Therefore, before deciding to use this method it is important to discuss with your physician any other medication you may be using. If this medication is one you are considering using you must be prepared to come into the health care provider’s office to get your follow-up injections on time, That is a consideration a women must make when she commits to this method . With three million unplanned pregnancies occurring yearly in the United States a convenient, easy to use, fairly safe and certainly high rated method such as injectable contraceptives is worth considering.

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