Lunelle
is a monthly birth control shot that is 99% effective when
given as prescribed. The monthly shot eliminates the
hassle (for some people) of remembering a pill every day
(at the same time please) and is equally effective.
Lunelle
is given as an injection into the muscle of the upper arm,
thigh, or buttocks, so you have to go to your gynecologist,
doctor, or clinic every month. Lunelle contains hormones
that are like the natural hormones estrogen and progesterone
produced by your body. After injection the hormone levels
peak and gradually decrease until the next injection. Lunelle
protects you the moment you get the first injection as long
as it is within the first five days of your period. It's
important to remember that the next injection should be
28 to 30 days from the last one and no later than 33 days
no matter when you get your period.
Lunelle
keeps you from getting pregnant by using hormones it contains
to signal a gland in your brain not to release FSH (follicle
stimulating hormone). Therefore, no egg matures that month
to be fertilized. It's also believed that Lunelle causes
your cervical mucus to thicken thus preventing any sperm
from meeting up with an egg. It also prevents the
lining of your uterus from "plumping" up, which
it usually does each month, while readying itself to nourish
the egg if it indeed is fertilized.
Who
Should NOT Take Lunelle?
If you are pregnant
If you are trying to get pregnant
If
you've had a blood clots (not including menstrual blood
clots)
Women with a history
of chest pains
Women with a history
of cancer
Women with unexplained
vaginal bleeding
Women with a history
of liver disease, stroke or heart attacks
Women
over 35 years old or those who
smoke 15 or more cigarettes a day
You
should NOT smoke while using any hormone. It increases your
risk of heart attack, stroke and serious blood clots. This
is true at any age.
Side
Effects:
Within the first few months, most women will have a change
in their periods, either no bleeding, irregular bleeding,
or spotting.
Some women may lose weight but the average change was an
increase of 4 lbs. in the first year. Some women may gain
10 or more pounds in the first year.
Any
hormonal birth control containing estrogen can increase
the risk of side effects which are increased with smoking
especially if you are over 35 or smoke more than 15 cigarettes
per day.
Like
all hormonal contraceptives, Lunelle does not protect against
HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted
diseases. Only latex condoms
will protect you so be sure to always use them!
If you
decide that Lunelle might be right for you, make an appointment
with your doctor to get a physical, a pap
smear and to rule out the possibility of a current pregnancy
in order to receive the shot.
