Apart from birth control pills, birth control injection or injectable is another popular contraceptive method for Pinay moms. It is 99% effective (94% if you forget to get your shot on time) and can prevent pregnancy for up to three months. It is also safe to use by breastfeeding moms.
What is an injectable?
A birth control injection or injectable is administered by a nurse or doctor every three months. It contains the hormone progestin, which stops you from getting pregnant by preventing ovulation. It also thickens the cervical mucus, making it difficult for the sperm to enter the uterus, and thins the uterine lining making it difficult for an egg to implant.
Is the injectable safe to use while breastfeeding?
Yes, getting an injection is safe for breastfeeding. It will not cause harm to your newborn, nor will it affect your breast milk supply.
Where to get it and how much does it cost?
The injection requires a doctor’s prescription and can only be administered by trained health service providers. It is offered for free at health centers and in women’s health organizations like the Likhaan Center for Women’s Health.
According to Cosmo.ph, the injection, under the brand name Depotrust, starts at Php120 exclusive of injection fee. On our Smart Parenting Parent Chat, users shared that another brand called Depo-Provera costs around Php250.
What Pinay moms think of birth control injections
Many of our Smart Parenting Village moms choose this type of birth control because they find it convenient that you do not have to take it every day. “It’s low maintenance, time-saving, and with less serious side effects,” says Merle Guevara.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWSide effects vary for each mom, but for many, monthly periods tend to stop completely. “For the whole year na ginamit ko siya, twice lang ako nagkaroon. ‘Til now wala pa rin akong period,” shares one mom who wanted to remain anonymous.
Others experienced spotting, “kapag malapit na ‘yung scheduled shot.” But one mom, Kg Rosas said that she still got her period every month despite getting a shot. “Kaya feeling ko hiyang naman ako,” she says.
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Another common side effect and complaint is the weight gain moms experience when getting the birth control injection. “I have to make an effort controlling my food intake,” shares Pauline Sanchez, while mom Merle notes either a decrease or increase in appetite after taking a shot.
Other common side effects include headaches, acne breakouts, mood swings, and even a decrease in sex drive. “I battle [mood swings] with prayers and love from my family,” shares Pauline.
Despite these, moms like Arlie Garciano still prefer getting birth control injections because it is safe for breastfeeding moms, especially those who do EBF or exclusive breastfeeding. “Less worries and scheduled every three months,” she says. “I am not spending pa because it’s free in health centers as part of [their] family planning program.”
Are you looking for a birth control option that does not involve taking a pill every day? Click here to learn more about IUDs or intrauterine devices, the 'set-it-and-forget-it' contraceptive.
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