CICs are administered by intramuscular injection into the deltoid, gluteus maximus, or anterior thigh. They are ideally administered every 28 to 30 days, though they have been demonstrated to be effective up to 33 days. Some CICs have been said to be used by transgender women as a means of feminizing hormone therapy as well. Available forms + Composition Dose Vehicle Brand Names Availability Estradiol valerate / Norethisterone enantate 5 mg /50 mg Oil solution Multiple Approved in at least 36 countries Estradiol cypionate / Medroxyprogesterone acetate 5 mg /25 mg Microcrystalline aqueous suspension Multiple Approved in at least 18 countries Estradiol enantate / Algestone acetophenidea 10 mg /150 mg Oil solution Multiple Approved in at least 19 countries 5 mg /75 mg Oil solution Anafertin†, Patector NF, Yectames Approved at least 9 countries 10 mg /120 mg Oil solution Unalmes, Yectuna Approved in at least 3 countries 10 mg /75 mg Oil solution Ova Repos† Discontinued (firm was in Spain) Estradiol benzoate butyrate / Algestone acetophenide 10 mg /150 mg Oil solution? Redimen, Soluna, Unijab, Unimens§ Approved in Peru and Singapore Estradiol valerate / Hydroxyprogesterone caproate 5 mg /250 mg Oil solution Chinese<unk>  No. 1 Approved in China Estradiol / Megestrol acetate 3.5 mg /25 mg Microcrystalline aqueous suspension Chinese<unk>  No. 2, Mego-E Approved in China Estradiol cypionate / Hydroxyprogesterone caproate 5 mg /250 mg Oil solution? Sinbios† Discontinued (firm was in Mexico) Estradiol valerate / Estradiol benzoate / Hydroxyprogesterone caproate 10 mg /1 mg /250 mg Oil solution? Sin-Ol† Discontinued (firm was in Mexico) Notes: All are given by intramuscular injection once a month. Footnotes: † = Discontinued. § = Never marketed. a = Unsorted brand names (doses unknown; for ): Evitas† and Femineo†. Sources: A variety of different CICs, generally containing a short-acting natural estradiol ester and a long-acting progestin ester, are available for clinical use. Estrogens that are used include estradiol valerate, estradiol cypionate, estradiol enantate, estradiol benzoate butyrate, and estradiol, while progestins that are used include norethisterone enantate, medroxyprogesterone acetate, algestone acetophenide (dihydroxyprogesterone acetophenide), hydroxyprogesterone caproate, and megestrol acetate. Estradiol benzoate has a duration that is too short for once-monthly CICs, and is not used in them. Conversely, estradiol enantate is said to have a duration that is too long for once-monthly CICs, but is nonetheless used in them.
Combined injectable birth control
Injectable birth control
Long-acting reversible contraception
Heat-based contraception
Male contraceptive
Combined hormonal contraception
Extended cycle combined hormonal contraceptive
Intrauterine device