Side effects
Injection common side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
43% of Injection reviewers reported vaginal dryness
43% of Injection reviewers reported tender breasts
39% of Injection reviewers reported vaginal discharge
39% of Injection reviewers reported lower back pain
38% of Injection reviewers reported period like cramps
Injection rare side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
5% of Injection reviewers reported a latex allergy
4% of Injection reviewers reported discomfort wearing contact lenses
3% of Injection reviewers reported pelvic infection
Possible Injection side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
- Vaginal dryness (43%)
- Tender breasts (43%)
- Vaginal discharge (39%)
- Lower back pain (39%)
- Period like cramps (38%)
- Sweating more than usual (36%)
- Breast enlargement (31%)
- Headaches (28%)
- Nausea or vomiting (27%)
- Thrush (17%)
- Body hair increase (16%)
- Dizziness (15%)
- Migraines (12%)
- High blood pressure (12%)
- Body hair getting darker (11%)
- Cystitis (9%)
- Migraine with aura (8%)
- Hair loss (5%)
- A latex allergy (5%)
- Discomfort wearing contact lenses (4%)
- Pelvic infection (3%)
Reviews
2.9
290 reviews
Filter reviews
Community reviews
Used for 1 - 3 mo
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 day ago
Things I’ve had history struggling with in the past: depression, anxiety, weight Things depo increased: depression, anxiety, weight
Very negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
17 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
17 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 3 weeks ago
started using it on April but so far my body is still the same & haven’t experienced breast enlargement yet
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 8+ yr
30 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 month ago
Used for over 10 years, completely stopped my periods which was fantastic. The devices became harder and harder to use, needing a lot of force to inject so I ended up turning myself into a pin cushion & wasting a few, which made reordering a faff. Don’t think I gained weight and if anything my skin improved (but that could just be normal from teenage to late 20s). The only negative I noticed was decreased sex drive - but it didn’t totally go so not a massive issue for me.
Improved skin
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
16 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 13th May 25
I was on this injection for 2 years, the whole process put me off . when i started the injection i had a period of 16 days (over two weeks) and it was so heavy, months went on and my periods stopped all together, i didn’t have a period for minus 2 years , i’m now on the combined pill but i did receive higher anxiety and depression towards taking it for ages, the doctor offered me antidepressants but i didn’t want to be taking them as i am a quite smily happy person but i literally lost all my energy and motivation to do anything.
Somewhat negative mood
3 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
19 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 8th May 25
With the contraception I experience a lot of abdominal pains frequently
Somewhat negative mood
3 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2nd May 25
Worst decision I’ve ever made Gained a lot of weight Depressed Anxious Moods all over the place
Very negative mood
2 more effects
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
41 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 8th Apr 25
I like the injection as no periods at all but gained over 2 stone in weight and no amount of dieting, eating less or exercising helps loose any weight at all I just gain even more.
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 5th Apr 25
I didn't notice any changes at first. I got my period for the first month or two, then the bleeding was irregular and lighter and eventually it stopped completely. I gained weight quickly. I would get hungry even after eating. I would get severe vaginal itching a few days after the shot.
Worse skin
2 more effects
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 22nd Mar 25
It is effective and it's convenient but unfortunately the side effects are really bad but it depends on different body types
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Women's health, reviewed.
Get the best women’s health info in your inbox
You are signing up to receive The Lowdown's latest findings and news in women's health. Your data will be used in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie policy
Slide into our DMs
Built by doctors and experts
Our tools are made by medical professionals for your peace of mind
Our website uses affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click on them