Types of Birth Control Injections and Side Effects

Birth control injections contain progestogen which is similar to the natural hormone found in women called progesterone. Sometimes synthetic hormones like progestin are combined with natural hormones called estrogen forming combination shots. There are four types of birth control injections but only one is available to women in the United States, the Depo-Provera. Other injections like Cyclofem, Noristerat, and Mesigyna are available to women in other countries such as Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe. Birth control injections work in the same way to prevent pregnancy. Some are taken every 28 to 30 days while the Depo-Provera is taken every three months. Side effects are usually mild when beginning the birth control shots and go away within three months after the body becomes adjusted to the hormones.

Depo-Provera

Depo-Provera is a contraceptive injection that contains the synthetic hormone progesterone. The injection works by causing cervical mucus to thicken and suppresses ovulation. Depo-Provera becomes effective within 24 hours after receiving the shot and lasts for up to three months. A newer version of the Depo shot is the Depo-Sub Q Provera shot. This newer version works like the Depo shot but has a smaller needle so that less pain is involved and is injected into the thigh or abdomen. Women who take the Depo injections will stop having a period within three to six months after taking the shots. The Depo-Provera injection is the only birth control injection available in the United States.

Lunelle or Cyclofem

Lunelle is an injection that was on the market in 2000 and recalled in 2002 because of concerns that it wasn't preventing pregnancy. Lunelle is no longer available to women in the United States. However, It is back on the market in Asia and Latin America and is now called Cyclofem. Cyclofem is a combined contraceptive injection that contains a combination of synthetic estrogen and progestin. Cyclofem is injected into the upper arm, buttocks, or thigh. Protection from pregnancy last about a month and another injection will be given every 28 to 30 days. Some women will continue having monthly cycles while others can experience irregular bleeding or no menstrual cycles at all. For women who continue to have a cycle, pregnancy will not occur. Cyclofem thickens the cervical mucus and thins out the uterine wall so that an egg cannot implant into the uterus.

Noristerat Injection

The Noristerat injection is a form of birth control injection that is also not available in the United States, but is common in Africa, Europe, United Kingdom, and Central America. Noristerat injections contains synthetic progestin hormones. Noristerat is given into the muscle of the buttocks and releases progestin into the blood stream for two months. Noristerat is intended for short-term use and prevents pregnancy by preventing ovulation. Cervical mucus thickens making it harder for sperm to swim through.

Mesigyna Injections

Mesigyna injections are mostly used by women in Latin America and Asia and is not available in the United States. Like Cyclofem, a woman will still have a monthly period and it works the same way as Cyclofem to prevent pregnancy. Women who first begin taking this injection will feel the symptoms of pregnancy due to the combined synthetic hormones estradiol valerate and norethisterone enantate. Symptoms usually go away after three months of taking the injections. Mesigyna is given monthly and women receiving this injection should not go longer than 33 days in between shots.

Side Effects

Birth control injections have side effects that are associated with them and usually go away within three months of beginning the shots. Women who take these injections can experience vaginal bleeding, irregular cycles, weight gain, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Serious complications such as heart attacks, blood clots and strokes can also occur in women who smoke and have high blood pressure. Women who smoke, have high blood pressure, as well as history of clots, should not take birth control injections.