Chapter 4

Giving Advice on Side Effects

IMPORTANT: Thorough counseling about bleeding changes and other side effects must be provided before starting a woman on progestin-only injectables. Counseling about bleeding changes may be the most important help a woman needs to enable her to keep using this method without concern.
Describe the most common side effects
  • For the first several months:  
    • irregular bleeding, prolonged bleeding, frequent bleeding 
  • Later:
    • no monthly bleeding
  • Other common side effects include weight gain (about 1–2 kg per year), headaches, and dizziness, among others.
Explain about these side effects
  • Side effects are not signs of illness.
  • Common, but some women do not have them.
  • The client can come back for help if side effects bother her.