Patch or Shot??
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Patch or Shot??
| Tue, 06-29-2004 - 10:05am |
Hi Everyone!
This is my first time going on any type of birth control. I have ruled out the pill because I know I won't remember so it is either going to be the patch or the shot. I have had experience with really bad cramps and bad PMS so I am hoping whatever I choose at least helps this. I thought the shot would be great because I wouldn't have any of those and my period would be gone but I have read some negative comments on it so I am unsure. My doctor told me that the side effects and risks between the two are about the same. What do you think would be the best option and what are your experiences? Please give ANY and ALL feedback you can! Thanks!
This is my first time going on any type of birth control. I have ruled out the pill because I know I won't remember so it is either going to be the patch or the shot. I have had experience with really bad cramps and bad PMS so I am hoping whatever I choose at least helps this. I thought the shot would be great because I wouldn't have any of those and my period would be gone but I have read some negative comments on it so I am unsure. My doctor told me that the side effects and risks between the two are about the same. What do you think would be the best option and what are your experiences? Please give ANY and ALL feedback you can! Thanks!

I've never used depo-provera (the "shot") but I would recommend trying the patch first. Since it is weekly, you can always remove it if the side effect are unbareable. With depo, however, if you experience side effects, they could be with you up to twelve weeks or longer since that is how long one shot lasts.
Hope this helped! Good luck with your decision!
Katie
I would agree with Katie. Start with the patch as it's easier to get off of it should you experience any negative side effects. I was on the shot for 6 months (2 cycles) and it was dreadful for me. i had spotting every single day for the first 3 months. i was exhausted, cranky and had a very low sex drive. the gyno suggested i come in a about 2 weeks early for my second cycle shot- that the new hormones would level me out- and it didn't! i was basically a nightmare for 6 months. the trouble is with depo- once it's in you, it's in you!!
i have a few friends on the patch and they all speak very highly of it (the only minor complaint i've heard is 'dirty bandaid' style lint building up around the patch itself, but that's minor in my world.
I'm on the NuvaRing (which if you poke around to some of the discussions on this board you'll read a lot about), and i LOVE it-as someone else who, although i'm a smart organized woman simply COULD NOT remember to take the darn pill!! thus, what's the point! am happy to tell you about the ring if you're interested!!
Again, my vote would be for the patch for the control it gives you!!
Good luck!
My friend, however, prefers the shot. She has no problems with it, besides minor spotting, and prefers having to go in only a couple of times a year.