Late for the Shot

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-13-2004
Late for the Shot
3
Fri, 02-13-2004 - 5:02pm
My last depo shot was on October 23 and my next appointment was scheduled for Jan 22. However, due to changes in my insurance, I had to cancel my appt with my Dr. and go to PP. They were unable to take me on the 22nd and scheduled me for the 27th. Once I got there, they told me I was late for my shot. It is supposed to be every 11-13 weeks. So my original shot was scheduled to be given on the last day of the 13th week, but I didn't receive the actual shot until the 5th day of the 14th week. The clinician at PP said that she didn't want to give me the shot because I could have started ovulating during that 5 days, and that I had had unprotected sex during that 5 days, so there is a chance I could be pregnant. Then she starts quoting stats about how women on DP can take up to 12 months to start ovulation again. She ended up giving me the shot and told me to use another form of birth control for 2 weeks and then I would be fine. She didn't mention anything about taking a pregnancy test (that was only mentioned if I didn't get the shot that day and waited two weeks). I guess what my question is, is what are the chances that I could be pregnant? If she believed that there was a chance that I was pregnant, would she have given me the shot? I have been reading online about this, but it hasn't really helped. I don't want to go get a pregnancy test because I am scared. I don't feel pregnant and I don't think I am, but there is always that doubt in the back of my mind that I am. HELP!!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Fri, 02-13-2004 - 8:00pm
Hi Jenne, welcome!

I think the chances are very slight that you could be pg. However, if I were you and concerned about the possibility as you obviously are, then I would test, just for peace of mind. Looking at it another way, there is no 100% effective means of contraception except abstinence so if you do get a positive you need to know as soon as possible in order to have time to consider all your options. In either case putting it off will just make things worse.

Good luck.

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-13-2004
Sat, 02-14-2004 - 2:36pm
I took a hpt and it was negative. So my next question is, am I still protected from the depo? I got the shot 2-3 weeks ago, so I'm assuming it is working and I can have unprotected sex now (I've been with the same partner for 3 years in a monogomous relationship). When I went to PP, the clinician gave me two options, wait two weeks, take a pregnancy test and if it is negative I could get the shot, or get the shot and use another form of birthcontrol for two weeks. So I think I am safe. I got the shot, waited two weeks, took a pt and it was negative. Isn't this situation similar to waiting 2 wks and then taking a pt and then getting the shot? I spoke with the clinician yesterday and told her I was going to take a pt and asked if I am in the clear if it comes up negative. However, she says that she doesn't give black and white answers. Well, she's making it harder for me to understand this whole thing. I just want to make sure that I am covered by my shot now. I thought professionals at these places were supposed to be there to educate, she's just confusing me more.
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Sat, 02-14-2004 - 5:12pm
Hi Jenne,

I understand your frustration but when discussing the effectiveness of contraceptive methods there are very few absolutes so no one can give you a guarantee. No method is 100% effective except abstinence although some methods like Depo and IUDs come very, very close. Having said that, assuming you weren't pg when you got the shot, you should be protected now.

I hope this helps

      Jill