Introduction
The three-month injection is a contraceptive method in which the gynaecologist injects a hormone-containing preparation into the muscles of the buttocks or upper arm every three months. This hormone continuously releases a hormone that suppresses ovulation for the duration of the injection, thus preventing pregnancy. The three-month injection is therefore an alternative to hormonal contraception using the contraceptive pill or the hormone coil.
The method is comparatively reliable and an unwanted pregnancy rarely occurs. In addition, it is not necessary to take tablets regularly and the effect is not affected by vomiting or diarrhoea. However, the preparation cannot simply be discontinued but must first be broken down by the body.
Even after this it can take years before a normal cycle is restored and pregnancy is possible. In addition, pronounced side effects are possible due to the high hormone dosage. The three-month injection is therefore suitable for women who cannot tolerate or cope with other contraceptive methods. Family planning should be completed if possible. Furthermore, the application should not exceed a period of two years.
Indications
The three-month injection is not a contraceptive method of first choice, but should only be considered if other methods are not tolerated or the woman cannot cope with them. In addition, there should be no desire to have children in the future. According to the manufacturer, the three-month injection should also only be used for women with a normal cycle.
According to a recommendation of the German Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics, this contraceptive method should only be used for “more mature women with completed family planning”. There is also an indication, for example, in the case of chronic gastrointestinal disease, if hormone pills are not tolerated due to this. Furthermore, the method is suitable for women who cannot reliably remember to take the pill every day or who cannot take it regularly, for example when working shifts.
Since the three-month injection, unlike many birth control pills, does not contain a hormone from the estrogen group, it is also suitable for women who cannot tolerate or take such hormones. The blood disease sickle cell anaemia also prohibits contraception with hormone tablets, so here too the injection can be used. Women living in countries where the pill is not readily available may also consider contraception with the three-month injection.
