Here’s Some Birth Control Shot Side Effects that You Need to Know

Knowing birth control shot side effects will make you knowledgeable and cautious in using birth control shot. This is very effective and safe contraception in family planning programs.

Progestin injection was first discovered in the early 1950s, which was originally used for endometriosis treatment. Then, in early 1960, clinical trials on the use of progestin injections for contraceptive purposes had been carried out. There are some progestins preparations have been tried as a contraceptive, but there are only two types of progestin injections which are widely used at the moment,Depo-Provera (injected every 3 months) and Noristerat (injected every two months).

This is done by injecting hormones into the body, so it can thicken the Cervical Mucus to inhibit fertilization and prevent the ovum from sticking to the uterine wall. In other words, it works almost the same way with the mini pill.

However, like other contraceptives in which have its advantages and disadvantages, birth control shot also has some side effects behind its effectiveness.

These side effects usually occur in women with a history of hypertension or diabetes, although it is possible to occur in women who do not experience such health problems. Broadly speaking, the birth control shot side effects and contraindications can almost be the same with the use of birth control pills. The following are some side effects of using birth control shot.

This is one of some birth control shot side effects. Nearly 40% of cases are complaining of having menstrual disorder until the end of the first year after having the shot. There are some terms that indicating menstrual disorders, such as:

- Having intermenstrual bleeding ranging from spotting to prolonged bleeding. The blood comes from the decay of the uterine lining as menstrual blood is experiencing irregularity due to hormonal influences. This uterine bleeding is varied in term of the amount (usually less) during the period of menstruation.

- Almost 70% of birth control shot acceptors experienced amenorrhea (do not menstruate for at least three consecutive periods). This occurs due to thickening of the cervical mucus. When contraception is stopped, it will take three to six months to ovulation and menstruation returned to normal.

- Experiencing menorrhagia or excessive bleeding outside the menstrual cycle. This usually occurs with irregular or longer intervals. Menorrhagia menstrual disorders caused by an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone, causing the endometrial produce more volume.

- Experiencing menometrorrhagia, an excessive uterine bleeding which can occur in menstrual periods or between menstrual periods.

Most acceptors gain weight several kilograms in a few months after having birth control shot. A study reported some acceptor have a weight gain of more than 2-3 kg in the first year and then increased gradually to 7 kg during 6 years. Even so, there are some studies that show that there is no relationship between birth control shot with weight gain so this side effect is still debated.

The changes in body weight are likely because progesterone can change carbohydrates and sugar into fat easily, so there will be a lot of fat piled up under the skin and is not due to retention of body fluids.

In addition, the hormones contained in birth control shot stimulate appetite control center in the hypothalamus that can cause the acceptor to eat more than usual. It is the one that can lead to weight gain, especially if she does not do regular exercise and has a good lifestyle. Headache

Some acceptor claimed to experience pain in the head that occur on one side or both sides or all parts of the head which are usually temporary. The pain is caused by the body's reaction to progesterone so estrogen is suppressed and progesterone is able to bind water so that the cells in the body are changing and there will be a pressure on the nerves of the brain.

Nevertheless, until now there has been no research that says that having birth control shot will lead to a persistent headache.

This side effect is rare and not dangerous except when it smells or itchy. The presence of excessive white liquid will also be disturbing. If this happens, you should do a complete examination to determine the presence of infection, bacteria, fungi, or Candida.

The use of birth control shot in the long term can reduce the bone mineral density, thereby increasing the risk of osteoporosis. This risk would be greater in women who use birth control shot over two years and have other osteoporosis risk factors such as heredity, smoking and drinking a lot of alcoholic beverages. Therefore, the FDA warned that the birth control shot is only used if other birth control methods are inadequate and women who have it for more than two years must undergo a bone mineral density test. Therefore, it is important for you to get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet every day.

The timing for the return to fertility is greatly varied from one to another woman. It is also usually longer than if you have birth control pills since you have high doses with a log lag time so the hormone system is not working as it should. Even, the birth control shot side effects are also still possible after the shot stopped. Some women can get pregnant as soon 3-4 months after the last shot while several other women take 1-2 years to get pregnant after they stop this type of birth control.

Most of the side effects mentioned above will decrease over time. However, since this is long lasting, the side effects are likely to last for some period of time until the progestin fades. If you experience this problem, it is advisable to consult your doctor. If necessary, the doctor will likely recommend stopping the shot and replace it with non-hormonal types of birth control.

Moreover, it should be noted that the body needs time to adjust the hormones so the birth control shot side effects will be still possible even after the shot stopped.