Pure gestagen injectable contraceptives

Mechanism of action:

• ovulation suppression;
• thickening of cervical mucus, which prevents sperm from entering the uterine cavity;
• changes in the structure of the endometrium, which complicates implantation;
• decreased contractile activity of the fallopian tubes.

Advantages and disadvantages of injectable contraceptives

Advantages

Contraceptives

• Does not contain estrogen
• High efficiency, IP < 0.3
• Fast effect (< 24 hours)
• No connection with sexual intercourse
• Does not affect breastfeeding
• Long lasting effect (3 months after each injection)
• No daily monitoring of intake is required.

Non-contraceptive

• May reduce menstrual-like bleeding
• May reduce menstrual pain
• May reduce the severity of anemia
• Prevention of endometrial cancer
• Reduce the risk of developing benign breast tumors
• Provides some protection against pelvic inflammatory disease

Flaws

• They cause changes in the nature of menstrual flow in almost all women (irregular spotting during the first year of using the method, followed by amenorrhea in 75% of cases)
• Some weight gain (up to 2 kg) is possible during the first year of use
• The method depends on the user (need to come for injections)
• Delayed (up to 18 months) restoration of fertility
• The need for constant availability of the drug
• The impossibility of interrupting the action of the drug after an injection if complications arise
• Does not protect against STIs, including hepatitis and HIV infection

Rules for using injectable contraceptives. The first injection of the drug is carried out from the 1st to the 7th day of the menstrual cycle. The drug can be administered on any other day of the menstrual cycle if there is certainty that the woman is not pregnant (negative test and anamnesis data). Subsequently, Depo-Provera injections are repeated every 3 months.

The injection is performed deep intramuscularly.

Symptoms of possible complications when using injectable contraceptives

• Pain in the lower abdomen (may be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy)
• Heavy or prolonged (>8 days) bleeding from the genital tract
• Severe headaches or blurred vision
• Infection or bleeding at the injection site

Parenteral drugs

• Injections (Depo-Provera).
• Transdermal contraceptive system EVRA.
• Intrauterine hormonal system (Mirena).
• Vaginal ring "NuvaRing".

Injectable drugs (depot drugs)

Depo-Provera (150 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate).

Advantages of injectable contraceptives:

• long-acting;
• ease of use;
• high reliability (no errors during use).

Disadvantages of injectable contraceptives:

• delay in restoration of fertility;
• the inability to stop contraceptive protection at any time desired by the patient;
• the need for regular visits to the clinic for repeat injections.

In general, the use of these drugs is limited due to the listed disadvantages and the presence of side effects.

If any of the above symptoms occur, an urgent consultation with a doctor is required!

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