Anxious about quitting depo shot

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-08-2004
Anxious about quitting depo shot
8
Thu, 07-08-2004 - 9:59am
Ok so I am not sure if I am looking for advise or maybe just a little feedback. I have decided that after 6 years on the depo shot that I am going to stop using it as a form of birth control. I spoke to my doctor and she is fine with it. However, I am a little anxious about it. I have been considering it for over a year now and feel that I am making a good decision. A few reasons I decided to quit is 1)I have a very low/nonexistent sex drive that I feel may be caused with prolonged use of the shot 2) I have recently gained weight even though I exercise regulary and 3) It has been nice not to have a period but I feel like part of being a women is having such unpleasantries. Even though I am comfortable with my decision I am a little scared and anxious. First of all I dont want my hormones to crazy and turn into a crazy, moody person all the time. Secondly not having a period has been nice so I am not used to cramps and heavy flow or anything like that. I was just wondering if maybe anyone has been on depo for a while and quit and what they experienced? In addition I have decided not to go on another form of birth control right away. I kinda want to clean my body and this medication first. I know I need to use a couple alternative forms of birth control which is fine. I think once I am ready I may use the Nova ring (sp?) or the patch since I am not good at taking pills everyday. That is one of the main reasons I stayed on the depo so long was because of the convience. Ok so I know this is long (sorry) just needed to explain and really get it off my chest and maybe get some feedback. Thank you!
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-08-2004
Thu, 07-08-2004 - 10:00am
Ok forgive me I am new to this site meant to post in above section!
Avatar for jenn77lee
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 07-09-2004 - 5:29pm
I was on the Depo for 7 years and 13 months ago I got off of the Depo and started using the Nuvaring for the same reasons that you state (nonexistant sex drive, weight gain, etc). I was also worried that the longer I was on it the longer it would take to get pregnant someday. I had the same fears that you do, but everything went really well for me. My periods returned after about two months, but they are light and only last about 4 days (no cramps). After 7 years on the Depo I knew I would have a hard time remembering to take the pill everyday, so that is why I went with the Nuvaring and I haven't regretted my decision at all. It is very handy, I haven't had any side effects, and my libido has increased greatly.

Just thought I would share my experience. I wish you luck in whatever road you choose.

Jennifer

Siggie_April2008

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-03-2004
Fri, 07-09-2004 - 10:13pm
I was on Depo for 4 years and I too stopped it because of weight gain (over 20 pounds). I was fortunate in that it never affected my sex drive and it was a perfect option for me at the time and with the relationship I was in. I had my last shot in May 2003 and my period did not return on its own. My doctor had me try a 5 day trial of progesterone in November to bring it on and still no luck. So, she had me just start taking my new birth control pills in December and I got my period right on schedule during my off week and they've been regular ever since.

Hope this helps.

PS. The weight is finally coming off...albeit very slowly.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-08-2004
Mon, 07-12-2004 - 10:06am
Hey thank for the replies. I find that this site is very frinedly and informative to me because I see other people have the same experiences. I havent decided yet but my shot would have been due on the 16th. I am going to give it a little time to let my body adjust and then choose another form of birth control. I am considering the nuva ring and the patch. I am not good at taking pills so i think those are my best options. I appreciate the feedback tremendously.
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Mon, 07-12-2004 - 11:30am
Just remember, you can not count on Depo to protect you after the date for your shot passes. Be sure to use another effective form of contraception (condoms?) until you decide what you want to try next.

Good luck,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-08-2004
Mon, 07-12-2004 - 3:18pm
Yes thanks for the advise. I have discussed that with my doctor as well.
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-05-2004
Tue, 07-13-2004 - 11:24am
I was on depo for nearly 5 years and it took me about a year to decide whether or not to come off, when I did it was only because my husband and I were talking about having another child. It has been seven months since my last shot was effective and I just now have had a period. My period was very painful but only lasted 4 days. Throughout the 4 days it was very heavy and dark. Months prior to this period my ovaries were swollen, and i had very tender breasts. I had an ultrasound done to rule out cysts, there were none. I still have doubts about being off the depo expecially now that my husband has changed his mind about having more children
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-28-2004
Tue, 07-13-2004 - 1:06pm

I came off Depo Last July because i was getting married in August 2003 and we want to TTC right away, i never did get AF, but got pregnant in September, unfortunatly i M/C at 12 weeks.

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