• each injection lasts for either 8 or 13 weeks
• it does not interrupt sex
• it’s an option if you can’t use oestrogen-based contraception
• you do not have to remember to take a pill every day
• it’s safe to use while you’re breastfeeding
• it’s not affected by other medicines
• it may reduce heavy, painful periods and help with premenstrual symptoms for some women

Disadvantages:

• your periods may change and become irregular, heavier, shorter, lighter or stop altogether – this can carry on for some months after you stop the injections
• Using Depo-Provera affects your natural oestrogen levels, which can cause thinning of the bones, but it does not increase your risk of breaking a bone. Sometimes the doctor may recommend that you stop after 2 years so there’s no long-term effect on your bones.
• it does not protect you against STIs
• there can be a delay of up to 1 year before your periods return to normal and you can become pregnant
• some people may put on weight when they use Depo-Provera or Sayana Press contraceptive injections
• you may experience side effects like headaches, acne, hair loss, decreased sex drive and mood swings
• any side effects can continue for as long as the injection lasts (8 or 13 weeks) and for some time after