pill or shot?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-02-2004
pill or shot?
1
Tue, 03-02-2004 - 1:17am
I stopped taking birth control about a year ago and now I would like to start again. I used to take the pill but I'm considering to change to the shot. What's better? My boyfriend is coming to visit me next week ( we live in different states at the moment) and I would like to not have to worry about getting pregnant. I heard the pill takes a month to work and the shot only 24 hours so I'm thinking about taking the shot. Where do I get it? At my doctor's office? I'm about to get my period and I would like to start birth control right away. What do you recommend?
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Tue, 03-02-2004 - 8:46am
Hi cutediva, welcome!

OCs can be effective immediately if you begin on the first day of your period. If you are a Sunday start then they will be effective in 7 days. However, some doctors, and this board, recommend using backup the first month while the user is learning to take her pills correctly and to prevent concern about being pg if her period changes schedule and consistency which it often does when starting hormonal contraceptives.

Depo is a strong progestin that can have very harsh side effects. A lot of users like Depo but there are also a lot who don't. You can’t reverse the shot if it doesn’t agree with you, it has to wear off in about 3 months. You can get the shot from your doc. and s/he is a very good person to discuss its pros and cons with as s/he will have experience with patients to guide your decision.

Good luck

      Jill