Costs
A three-month syringe costs about 30€ and there can be additional costs of up to 15€ for setting the syringe. This means that up to 180€ per year must be paid for the contraceptive method.
Is the three-month injection a benefit paid by the health insurance company?
In most cases, the three-month injection is not covered by health insurance and the costs must be borne entirely by the patient. There is an exception for women under 20 years of age, if the doctor has given the indication for the contraceptive. However, especially for young women, the three-month injection should only be considered in exceptional cases when other contraceptive methods such as the contraceptive pill or condoms are not suitable.
Three-month injection and alcohol – is that compatible?
The consumption of alcohol does not impair the effects of the three-month injection and is therefore basically compatible with this contraceptive method. Unlike contraception with the contraceptive pill, even if the woman vomits due to alcohol, the protection is not affected. Excessive alcohol consumption should, however, be avoided, as this can lead to increased liver damage. The hormones of the three-month injection can stress the liver and alcohol damages the organ directly. Therefore, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to long-term liver disease and loss of organ function with consequences such as jaundice, dropsy and blood clotting disorders.
Alternatives to the three-month syringe
Alternatives to the three-month injection are manifold and should be preferred in most cases. Other contraceptive methods based on hormone administration are the various forms of the contraceptive pill (classic graduated pill, micro pill, minipill, etc.) or hormone-containing contraceptive rings which are inserted into the vagina and changed monthly.
In addition, a hormone or copper coil can be inserted into the uterus by the gynecologist. The copper coil prevents the implantation of a fertilized egg and prevents pregnancy. An effective and virtually side-effect free alternative, which also protects against sexually transmitted diseases, is the use of condoms. Natural contraceptive methods such as contraception based on the determination of body temperature or coitus interruptus, whereby sexual intercourse is interrupted shortly before a man’s climax in order to prevent ejaculation in the vagina, are very unsafe for the prevention of pregnancy.
