Injectible contraceptives contain hormonal drugs that provide women with safe, highly effective, and reversible contraceptive protection. Combined injectible contraceptives contain the hormones estrogen and progestin.

There are two types of injectible contraceptives:

1. Progestogen Formulations: They contain a progestogen hormone and are effective for 2 or 3 months.
2. Combined formulations: They contain both a progestogen and an estrogen and are effective for 1 month.

Progestogen Formulations

Consist of DMPA (depot med-roxy progesterone acetate) and NET-EN (norethisterone enanthate).
DMPA is the injectible formulation most widely used.
DMPA is injected every 3 months.
NET-EN is injected every 2 months.

Combined formulations

These are most extensively studied formulations known by their brand names, Mesigyna
Monthly injectible
Mesigyna contains the same progestogen as NET-E with an added estrogen.

Advantages

1. It is very effective, and results in long term pregnancy prevention, which is reversible. One injection can prevent pregnancy for 3 months.
2. It does not interfere with sex and can be used at any stage.
3. It does not harm the quantity and quality of breast milk. It can be used by nursing mothers as soon as six weeks after childbirth.
4. It has no estrogen side effects. It does not increase the risk of estrogen related complications such as heart attack.
5. It helps prevent endomaterial cancer and uterine fibroids. It may also help prevent ovarian cancer.

Disadvantages

1. Common side effects occur mainly changes in menstrual bleeding such as light spotting or bleeding, or Amenorrhea.
2. These injections may cause weight gain.
3. Headaches, breast tenderness, nausea, hair loss, less sex drive, and acne can occur.
4. Does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS.

Who should not use COC’s

Women who have conditions like pregnancy, breastfeeding, during first six weeks of postpartum, unexplained vaginal bleeding, current breast cancer, liver tumors, active hepatitis or severe cirrhosis, age of 35 or older, who smoke heavily, blood pressure of 180/110 and higher, diabetes with vascular complications, and stroke symptoms should avoid these contraceptive pills.