Injectable contraception
The three-monthly progestogen preparation contraceptive injection (Depo provera)
is mainly used by young women. It can still be continued up to older ages and
is a good treatment for heavy or painful periods and PMS (premenstrual syndrome).
There is some current concern that contraceptive injections may increase the
risk of osteoporosis in later life by reducing the ovarian production of estrogen.
For this reason, many healthcare professionals recommend that women stop injectable
contraception at the age of 45 years, and consideration should be given to
using some other form of contraception if the injection has stopped periods
for more than 2 years. A contraceptive rod (Implanon) is also available which
is placed under the skin in the upper arm under local anaesthetic. This releases
progestogen in a steady level over 3 years. It is an extremely effective contraceptive
and does not seem to increase the risk of osteoporosis. Both the 3 monthly
injection and the 3 yearly rod are often chosen because of their convenience.
Intra-uterine device (IUD or 'coil')
An IUD can be used for contraception at any age. It is very reliable but may cause menstrual periods to become heavier or slightly more painful. Having an IUD inserted into the womb is a very minor procedure (on a similar scale to visiting the dentist!) and once it is inserted, the woman does not need to remember anything else for contraception. If an IUD is inserted after the age of 40 years, then it can remain without being changed until the menopause. Although IUDs have not been very widely used over the years in the UK, they are the most common reversible method of contraception worldwide and are now becoming much more popular in the UK.
Page last updated:
4 July 2007
