The depot injection (3-Month injection)

The depot injection is a long-term contraceptive. It contains the hormone progestin in high doses and inhibits ovulation over a period of about 8 to 12 weeks. There are currently three preparations on the market in Germany.

Since the depot syringe has a much stronger effect on the hormonal balance than the pill, according to the Federal Health Office it may only be prescribed by the doctor in exceptional cases, if the pill is not tolerable.

Advantages

This method only needs to be used a few times a year. No intake-errors. Offers high safety.

Disadvantages

Compared to other purely progestin -containing methods (hormone rods or minipills), the amount of hormone in the depot injection is significantly higher.

The depot injection can lead to weight gain, mood changes and apathy. Hormones can have a negative effect on bone density. Usually the menstrual cycle becomes irregular. Some women do not bleed at all every month. Spotting or, rarely, heavy permanent bleeding can occur, due to which curettage becomes necessary. The side effects last as long as the effect of the injection.

Once the drug has been discontinued, it may take months (to years) for the cycle to resume to normalcy. The injection should not be used for some diseases (e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure, jaundice, phlebitis).

Reliability

Since there are no input errors, the depot injection has a very high contraceptive safety.

Accessibility

The depot injection must only be administered by the doctor.

Costs

The depot injection costs about 31 to 35 € per injection. Some doctors charge additional fees for the administration of the injection, which may go up to €15 per injection.

If you are covered by statutory health insurance, your health insurance company will cover the costs of counselling for contraceptive methods.

In addition, the costs for contraceptives prescribed by a doctor (contraceptive pill, contraceptive coil, morning-after pill) are covered until the age of 22 by the health insurance companies.