Advantages vs. Disadvantages

99% Effective

No STI/STD protection

Very intermittent administration (1 injection every 3 months)

Long-term protection

Less expensive than birth control pills

Can cause irregular menstrual periods

Regular doctor visits can be inconvenient

Bone density loss

Improbable that lactation will be affected

Weight gain

Irregular vaginal spotting

Breast changes

Delayed return of fertility (up to 18 months after stopping treatment)