Nur-isterate is a brand of contraceptive that contain norethisterone enantate 200 mg as active ingredient. This drug is produced by Bayer and its protection against conception is based primarily upon an alteration of the cervical mucous. This alteration is present for the whole of the duration of action and prevents the ascent of the sperm into the uterine cavity.
Nur-Isterate is injected into the muscle of the buttock. The injection is usually given during the first one to five days of your monthly period. Nur-Isterate will continuously release progestin into your bloodstream over a period of eight weeks (two months). The protection effect of Nur-Isterate is strictly over a 2 month period.
Nur-Isterate works mainly by stopping ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary). It also changes the lining of your womb (uterus) to make it less likely that an egg would attach to it, even if an egg were to fertilize. In addition, the mucus which forms a plug in the neck of your womb (cervix) becomes thicker. This stops sperm getting through to the womb to fertilize an egg.
Summary of Nur-isterate Injection
- If used correctly, the Nur-isterate injection is more than 99% effective.
- It lasts for 8 weeks so you do not have to think about contraception every day or every time you have sex during this period.
- It’s very useful for women who find it difficult to remember to take a pill at the same time every day.
- It does require you to remember to have a repeat injection before it expires or becomes ineffective.
- It can be useful for women who cannot use contraception that contains oestrogen.
- It’s not affected by other medicines.
- Side effects can include weight gain, headaches, mood swings, breast tenderness and irregular bleeding.
- Your periods may become more irregular, heavier, shorter, lighter or stop altogether.
- It can take up to 1 year for your fertility to return to normal after the injection wears off, so it may not be suitable if you want to have a baby in the near future.
- It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so you may need to use condoms as well.
Advantages of Nur Isterate Injection
- each injection of Nur Isterate lasts for either 8 weeks
- it does not interrupt sex
- it’s an option if you can’t use oestrogen-based contraception
- you do not have to remember to take a pill every day
- it’s safe to use while you’re breastfeeding
- it’s not affected by other medicines
- it may reduce heavy, painful periods and help with premenstrual symptoms for some women.
Disadvantages of Nur Isterate Injection
- your periods may change and become irregular, heavier, shorter, lighter or stop altogether – this can carry on for some months after you stop the injections
- Nur Isterate does not protect you against STIs
- there can be a delay of up to 1 year before your periods return to normal and you can become pregnant
- some people may put on weight when they use Nur Isterate contraceptive injection
- you may experience side effects like headaches, acne, hair loss, decreased sex drive and mood swings while on Nur Isterate.
Any side effects can continue for as long as the injection lasts (8 weeks) and for some time after. Young women are often less tolerant of side effects than older women.
Risks
There’s a small risk of infection at the site of the Nur Isterate injection. In very rare cases, some people may have an allergic reaction to the injection. Using Nur Isterate may affect your natural oestrogen levels, which can cause thinning of the bones, but it does not increase your risk of breaking a bone. This is not a problem for most women because the bone replaces itself when you stop the injection, and it does not appear to cause any long-term problems. Sometimes the doctor may recommend that you stop after 2 years so there’s no long-term effect on your bones. ALSO READ: How To Flush Nur-Isterate From Your System
