HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury
Contraceptive injection (Depo-Provera)
Werohanga ārai hapū (Depo-Provera)
The contraceptive injection contains the hormone progestogen, which works by stopping your ovaries releasing an egg. It's very effective (97% to 99%) in preventing pregnancy.
You need to have an injection every 12 weeks.
You may get irregular or long periods, but this usually improves after six to 12 months. Most women have no periods at all when using the contraceptive injection.
You may put on weight or lose weight. There is a small chance of bone thinning, which improves once you stop using it.
You may not be able to get pregnant for six to 12 months after stopping the contraceptive injection.
See your general practice, Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa Clinic, school clinic or Te Tahi Youth to find out if the contraceptive injection is right for you.
Sexual health visits with your general practice team may be free. Ask your general practice team if you are eligible.
Appointments at Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa Clinics are free for New Zealand residents if you are under 22.
Te Tahi Youth offers free medical care and counselling for those aged 10 to 24.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa – Depo Provera
This page explains more about the contraceptive injection.
- Protected and Proud – Injection – Depo-Provera
Information about the contraceptive injection.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed July 2022.
SourcesReview key: HICAS-53138
