“KB injections are one of the methods of choice to prevent pregnancy. However, there are some side effects that you need to know about this method, one of which is irregular menstruation."
Birth control injections are hormonal contraceptives containing progestin or progestogen hormones. This hormone is actually the same as the natural hormone in women, in this case progesterone to stop the ovulation process.
Generally, obstetricians or midwives will give birth control injections to certain parts of the body. For example the upper arms, thighs, lower abdomen, or buttocks. After getting an injection, the level of the hormone progesterone in the body will increase, then decrease slowly until you get the next injection.
Side Effects of KB Injections and Their Handling
Every method of contraception actually has side effects, especially hormonal contraceptives such as injectable birth control. Read the article 4 Things to Do Before a Birth Control Injection as an initial preparation step before carrying out a family planning procedure.
Changes in the menstrual cycle
Birth control injections can cause changes in the menstrual cycle, either longer or shorter. When first used, prolonged menstruation occurs, spots (spotting), then menstruation will become rare or stop altogether. About 40 percent of women stop menstruating after one year of use.
This is a harmless side effect, so you don't need to worry. This is because the cessation of menstruation does not mean that menstrual "dirty blood" has accumulated. This is because hormonal contraception suppresses the thickening of the uterine lining which normally sheds in the form of menstrual blood, so there is no "blood" to be shed.
Weight gain
Weight gain in injecting birth control acceptors ranges from 1-2 kilograms per year. The reason is that the hormone progesterone in injectable birth control can increase appetite by affecting the appetite control center in the hypothalamus.
In order to keep your weight under control after you have had a birth control injection, you can adopt a healthy diet. Increase your intake of vegetables and fruits so you can feel full longer. Don't forget, schedule regular exercise so that your body weight remains ideal.
Cannot get pregnant immediately after the injection stops
Unlike the case with IUDs, implants, and birth control pills, injecting birth control users have to be a little patient when planning another pregnancy. The reason is, after stopping using this contraceptive, stone fertility will return about 10 months later, but it can also be faster.
You cannot predict how long it will take for fertility to return because the effects of birth control are different for everyone. Meanwhile, users of IUDs, implants, and birth control pills can return to fertility immediately after removing the device or stopping taking birth control pills.
This is actually reasonable because the effects of drug consumption have not been used up. If you want to plan a pregnancy, you should stop using injectable birth control several months before.
Decreased sexual desire
One of the ways the hormone progesterone works is to thicken the mucus in the vagina. In addition, progestin injections can change food sources of carbohydrates into fats which are difficult to react to water.
That is, the more fat content in the body, the water content actually becomes less. This has an effect on the vagina which becomes drier. As a result, women often feel pain during sexual intercourse.
If you don't take care of it immediately, the most common side effect is decreased sexual desire. You can get around this condition by doing longer foreplay or using lubricant.
If you and your partner are still uncomfortable, try some suitable sex positions. Creating a good mood before having sex can also be a passion lighter.
Headaches, breast tenderness, and mood swings
Both headaches, breast pain, and mood swings are side effects of hormonal changes after the entry of progestin into the body after you get a birth control injection. In some women, mood swings quickly and tantrums more often than usual.
Although it is quite common, not all women who do injection birth control experience this effect. However, to help reduce the pain, you can take paracetamol. If the side effects make you uncomfortable, immediately discuss it with your obstetrician.
Reduced bone density
Studies say, the use of injectable birth control for a long time can cause thinning of the bones. This is an early symptom of osteoporosis which is more prone to occur in women.
Even so, it will not come to the risk of fractures. Supposedly, by maintaining the consumption of foods that contain Vitamin D and calcium, the negative effects of this birth control injection can be reduced.
Pimples appear
Hormonal changes that occur as a result of injecting birth control can cause various skin problems, such as the appearance of pimples. This is because the hormone progesterone can cause excessive secretion of the oil and fat glands on the face, thus potentially causing acne
In order to reduce the possibility of this skin problem, keep your face clean by diligently washing your face before going to bed to clean up residual make-up or dirt that sticks after activities. You can also use natural masks to relieve inflammation.
Those were some of the side effects of using injectable birth control and how to handle them that you can try. Make sure you consider the advantages and disadvantages of each contraceptive method before using one, and also know how to care for women after using birth control.