KB injection is a method of contraception to delay pregnancy. However, like other contraceptive methods, birth control injections have some advantages and disadvantages and are not recommended for women with certain health conditions.
Birth control injections are hormonal contraceptives that contain the hormone progestogen (progestin). This hormone is similar to the natural female hormone, progesterone, and can stop ovulation.
Usually, birth control injections are carried out in certain body parts, such as the buttocks, upper arms, lower abdomen, or thighs. After the injection, the level of the hormone progesterone in the body will increase, then decrease gradually until the next injection.
Based on the period of time, in Indonesia there are two types of contraceptive injections that are most commonly used, namely 1-month contraceptive injections and 3-month contraceptive injections. Here is the explanation:
KB injection 1 month
As the name implies, this type of birth control injection is given once every 30 days. The 1-month injection KB contains the hormones estrogen and progestin which can prevent pregnancy.
Compared to the 3-month contraceptive injection, the 1-month birth control injection has less impact on the menstrual cycle, so users still have regular menstrual cycles. In addition, fertility levels can return to normal relatively quickly, which is 3 months after the injection is stopped.
However, there are some drawbacks to the 1-month birth control injection, including:
- Has a risk of abnormal bleeding, although it is rare
- Causes dizziness and breasts are more sensitive or painful
- Trigger mood swings
- Not recommended for women who suffer from migraines
- Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections
3 Months KB injection
The 3-month birth control injection can be injected into the buttocks or upper arm. There is also an injection into the skin layer in the abdomen or upper thigh area. The 3-month birth control injection prevents pregnancy by releasing the hormone progestin into the blood vessels.
Progestin is a hormone similar to progesterone and is produced by the ovaries. This hormone works by stopping the release of eggs into the uterus, thereby preventing fertilization from occurring.
In addition, this hormone also prevents sperm from reaching the egg by thickening vaginal fluids and preventing fetal growth by thinning the uterine wall.
Some of the advantages of 3-month birth control injections include:
- Does not interact with other drugs
- Relatively safe for breastfeeding mothers
- No need to bother remembering to take contraceptive pills every day
- No need to calculate the fertile period if you want to have sex
- If you want to stop, just stop using it and you don't need to go to the doctor
- Can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer and uterine cancer
In addition to the advantages, 3-month birth control injections also have disadvantages, including:
- Side effects include headaches, weight gain, breast tenderness, bleeding, and irregular menstruation. This effect can appear as long as birth control injections are still used.
- It will take a long time for fertility to return to normal, at least a year after the birth control injection is stopped. This makes this type of contraception not recommended for those who want to have children soon.
- The risk of reducing bone density, but this risk will decrease when the birth control injection is stopped.
- Does not provide protection from sexually transmitted diseases, so it is necessary to continue to use condoms during sexual intercourse.
The 3-month birth control injection cannot be used by all women, especially if they feel they are pregnant, want their menstrual cycles to be regular, or have the following conditions:
- Migraine
- Heart trouble
- Blood clotting
- History of heart disease
- Bleeding between periods
- Diabetes
- Breast cancer
- High risk of suffering from osteoporosis.
If you plan to use injectable birth control, reconsider the advantages and disadvantages of each type of contraception. However, if you are still in doubt, consult your doctor to find out which type of birth control injection best suits your condition and needs