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Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers

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Family Planning

A GLOBAL HANDBOOK FOR PROVIDERS

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Side Effects, Health Benefits, and Health Risks

Side Effects (see Managing Any Problems)

Some users report the following:

  • Changes in bleeding patterns including:
    • Lighter bleeding and fewer days of bleeding
    • Irregular bleeding
    • Infrequent bleeding
    • Prolonged bleeding
    • No monthly bleeding
  • Weight gain
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Breast tenderness

Known Health Benefits and Health Risks

Long-term studies of monthly injectables are limited, but researchers expect that their health benefits and health risks are similar to those of combined oral contraceptives (see Combined Oral Contraceptives, Health Benefits and Health Risks). There may be some differences in the effects on the liver, however (see Question 2).

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