If you don't want to avoid becoming pregnant, you can take a contraceptive in addition to using a condom.
Violett's doctors and health professionals can give you more information about the different birth control methods and you decide which of these suits you best.
You can contact us if you want:
- Information about contraceptives.
- A prescription for contraceptives.
- An IUD (intra-uterine device) inserted.
- A contraceptive injection.
- Get the emergency (morning-after) pill.
Contraceptive injection
- How does it work?
- The contraceptive injection gradually releases a hormone that prevents ovulation during a certain period.
- You are protected from pregnancy for three months.
- You get the first injection at the beginning of your period. It must be given by a doctor.
- The injection is usually given in your buttock[KW1] and gradually absorbed by your bloodstream.
- How soon am I protected?
- If you have the first injection during the first 5 days of your cycle, you are immediately protected from pregnancy.
- The injection must be repeated every 12 weeks.
- The maximum period between two injections is 89 days or 12 weeks plus five days. After that, its effectiveness decreases rapidly.
- The injection only works if you get it on time or stay on schedule.
- Possible side effects
- Nausea, headache, breast tenderness, bleeding, weight gain, mood swings. These usually disappear spontaneously. If not, consult a doctor.
- Your period usually starts again automatically once you stop this method. It may take a while for your cycle to get back to normal and before you are able to get pregnant again.
- In practice
- In Belgium, the contraceptive injection is a prescription only medicine, available for sale only at the pharmacy.
- When a doctor wants to prescribe other medications, tell him/her you're using the injection pill. Some medications and herbal remedies can reduce the efficacy of this method of contraception.
Do you have any further questions about the contraceptive injection?
2000 Antwerp
Currently we only work by appointment. Call 03 293 95 91.
Monday14.00 - 16.00Tuesday/Wednesday10.00 - 12.0018.00 - 20.00Thursday/Friday10.00 - 12.00
For general questions:
Monday09.00 - 17.00Tuesday09.00 - 17.00Wednesday09.00 - 17.00Thursday09.00 - 17.00Friday09.00 - 17.00
9000 Gent
Currently we only work by appointment. Call 09 233 47 67.
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday/Friday11.00 - 13.00
For general help and social assistance:
Monday/Tuesday13.00 - 17.00Wednesday/Thursday13.00 - 17.00Friday10.00 - 14.00
3500 Hasselt
Currently we only work by appointment. Call 011 33 30 58.
Monday10.00 - 12.00Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday/Friday/
For general questions and social assistance:
By phone or for an appointment