Injection
There are three types of contraceptive injection – it can last 8, 12 or 13 weeks depending upon the option you choose. The injection releases a steady flow of the hormone progestogen.
- More than 99 per cent effective
- Could reduce the chance of cancer of the womb and offers some protection from pelvic inflammatory disease
- Progestogen affects athletic performance as described
- The 12 week variety (Depo-Provera) affects your natural oestrogen levels, which can cause thinning of the bones which in active women could elevate the risk of stress fractures
- Side effects include tenderness, mood swings, nausea, weight gain, and headaches – it can’t be removed once it’s been administered in the same way you can stop taking the pill
- Can affect fertility for some time after it has worn off and can make periods disappear, or become heavier, depending on how you react
Implant
The implant works like the injection, releasing progestogen, but it lasts for up to three years (though it can be removed earlier).
The pros and cons are similar to the injection, except that the effect on periods (being heavier, lighter or non-existent) can last for around a year, usually settling down after the first 12 months.
