Who Can Get It

Can I get the contraceptive injection?

A doctor or nurse will ask about your medical history to check if the contraceptive injection is suitable for you. The contraceptive injection may not be suitable if you have ever had:

• breast cancer, heart disease or stroke
• a liver condition
• long-term (chronic) kidney disease
• unexplained bleeding between periods or after sex

The contraceptive injection may also not be recommended for you if more than one of the following apply to you:

• you smoke
• you have diabetes
• you have high blood pressure
• you have high cholesterol
• you're living with obesity

If these apply to you, speak to the doctor or nurse about your contraception options.

Getting the contraceptive injection after giving birth

You can have the contraceptive injection at any time after giving birth.

If you get the injection within 3 weeks (21 days) of giving birth, you'll be protected from pregnancy immediately.

If you get the injection more than 3 weeks (21 days) after giving birth, you may not be protected from pregnancy immediately. Ask your GP or health visitor for advice.

Breastfeeding and the contraceptive injection

It's safe to have the contraceptive injection when you're breastfeeding, and it will not affect your baby or your milk supply.

Getting the contraceptive injection after a miscarriage or abortion

You can have the contraceptive injection straight after an abortion or miscarriage. You'll be protected against pregnancy immediately.

If you have the injection 6 days or more after a miscarriage or abortion, you need to use another type of contraception, such as condoms, for 7 days.

Getting pregnant after stopping the injection

It can take up to 1 year for your fertility to return after stopping the contraceptive injection. If you think you'll want to get pregnant sooner, another method of contraception might be more suitable.

Find out about choosing a method of contraception.

The contraceptive injection and other medicines

Some medicines and herbal remedies can stop the contraceptive injection working properly, and it may not stop you getting pregnant.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice before getting the contraceptive injection if you take medicine to treat conditions including:

• cancer
• TB (tuberculosis)
• epilepsy
• HIV
• high blood pressure

You should also ask for advice before taking some antifungal medicines, antibiotics or St John's wort (a herbal remedy).

You may need to use another type of contraception.

Sexual Health Advice

• Sexual Health Advice - Introduction and Overview
• The MenB vaccine that helps protect against gonorrhoea
• Sexual Health - Mpox and its dangers for Gay Men
• What happens when you visit an STI Clinic
• Ejaculation issues are common sexual problems in men
• The Male Menopause for men in their late 40s to early 50s
• Help and care if you have been Sexually Assaulted
• Mental health issues and self-harm are common amongst gay men