A Guide to Injectable Contraceptives:
Injectable contraceptives are a popular choice for women seeking a reliable, long-term birth control method. Two of the most widely used options in South Africa are Nur-Isterate and Depo-Provera (also called Petogen). These injectable contraceptives provide effective protection against pregnancy when used correctly. Nur-isterate is an excellent option for those who prefer a discreet and hassle-free contraceptive solution while Depo-provera is less preferred due to added risks and potential lack of return to fertility.
What is Nur-Isterate?
Nur-Isterate (Norethisterone) is a progestogen-only injectable contraceptive that offers pregnancy prevention for up to 8 weeks. It works by thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg and suppressing ovulation.
Benefits of Nur-Isterate:
- Effective: Over 99% effective when used correctly.
- Convenient: Administered once every 8 weeks.
- Discreet: No daily pills or external devices required.
Who is Eligible for Nur-Isterate?
Suitable for:
- Women seeking medium-term birth control (2 months at a time).
- Breastfeeding mothers after six weeks postpartum.
- Those who may forget to take daily contraceptive pills.
Not Suitable for:
- Women with a history of cardiac disease, uncontrolled hypertension, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, blood clots, liver disease, certain cancers or porphyria.
- Those experiencing unexplained vaginal bleeding.
Potential Side Effects Include:
- Mood Changes
- Headache
- Nausea
- Irregular uterine/vaginal bleeding
- Amenorrhea (absence of periods)
- Increased weight
Return to Fertility:
- Fertility generally resumes soon after stopping norethisterone injections.
- Ovulation and normal cycles usually return within a few weeks to a few months, as the hormone’s effects do not persist as long as Depo-Provera.
Cost: +/- R60 (pharmacy dependent)
What is Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) is another progestogen-only contraceptive injection but provides pregnancy prevention for 12 weeks. Its mode of action is similar to Nur-Isterate, preventing ovulation, and thickening cervical mucus.
Benefits of Depo-Provera:
- Long-lasting: Requires one injection every 12 weeks.
- Highly effective: Offers over 99% pregnancy prevention when used correctly.
- Safe for breastfeeding: Can be used postpartum.
- Endometriosis: Also used in the treatment of endometriosis.
Who is Eligible for Depo-Provera?
Suitable for:
- Women looking for longer-term birth control (3 months at a time).
- Breastfeeding mothers after six weeks postpartum.
- Women seeking a reliable, low-maintenance contraceptive.
Not Suitable for:
- Women with osteoporosis or a high risk of bone density loss.
- Those with certain medical conditions such as cardiac disease, poorly controlled hypertension, blood clots, liver disease, porphyria, certain cancers or unexplained vaginal bleeding.
- Women with a meningioma or a history of meningioma (including family history).
Potential Side Effects:
- Mood changes
- Headache
- Migraine
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Thrombosis
- Hypertension
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Hepatic impairment
- Suppressed lactation
- Absence of periods
- Increased weight
- Osteoporosis
- Acne
- Alopecia
- Anemia
- Risk of developing meningioma
Return to Fertility:
- Ovulation may take 6–18 months to resume after stopping Depo-Provera. This is due to its long half-life and sustained effect on ovarian suppression and endometrial thinning.
- In some cases, there may be a lack of return to fertility with Depo-Provera use.
Cost: +/- R60 (pharmacy dependent)
Comparing Nur-Isterate and Depo-Provera
| Feature | Nur-Isterate | Depo-Provera |
| Duration | 8 weeks | 12 weeks |
| Frequency | Injection every 2 months | Injection every 3 months |
| Suitability | Better for shorter-term needs | Better for longer-term needs, but safety of Depo-Provera use is a concern. |
| Side Effects | May cause irregular periods, weight gain, or mood changes | Similar side effects as Nur-isterate with further side effects as listed above. |
| Use in Breastfeeding | Safe after six weeks postpartum | Safe after six weeks postpartum |
| Fertility | Fertility generally resumes within a few weeks to a few months, as the hormone’s effects do not last as long as Depo-Provera. | Fertility generally returns within 6-18 months. In rare cases, there may be a lack of return to fertility. |
Which Contraception Injection Should I choose?
- Nur-Isterate requires slightly more frequent visits to your healthcare provider (once every 2 months) but is the preferred option due to less risk of severe side effects as compared to Depo-Provera.
- Depo-Provera may offer longer-lasting protection, making it more convenient for women who prefer fewer injections, but the downside of Depo-provera is the added potential severe side effects, and longer duration or lack of return to fertility.
How to Get Injectable Contraceptives Online
Thanks to Online Doctor SA, you can now access affordable and convenient contraceptive care from the comfort of your home. You can obtain a prescription for Nur-Isterate online.
Here’s how it works:
- Visit Online Doctor SA and choose your prescription.
- Complete the medical form.
- Receive your prescription to your email within 24 hours.
With Online Doctor SA, you can easily obtain a prescription for Nur-Isterate for just R250.00
*Injectable contraception needs to be administered by a trained healthcare professional.*
