Depo problems - afraid to switch bcs

Avatar for lusciouslatana
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-19-2003
Depo problems - afraid to switch bcs
2
Sat, 07-10-2004 - 3:06pm
I've been on Depo-provera for almost 2 years. I tried I think it was Mircette birth control pill before that, it worked for about 5 months and I started break through bleeding/spotting so I decided to try switching to Depo. I never stopped having periods, I've gained some weight that won't budge, and my libido is low. I have the drive and the *want* to have sex, but it's like my body is so sluggish to respond that I end up just going for the astroglide because I feel bad that I take so long to get any lubrication going. When I was on the Mircette pill I could easily get lubrication and I miss that, but I also like not having to take a pill everyday and the breakthrough bleeding got to be a little upsetting.

My fiance is considering vasectomy, but that won't be until at least next year after we're married and he turns 25 so he can have it done. Neither of us want children and we already decided if we ever did we'd foster and/or adopt.

At any rate, I've been considering switching back to a birthcontrol pill although I'm a little afraid of the offchance that I'd miss a pill. I didn't miss any before, but now that I've been engaged I'm sexually active and I really don't want a pregnancy.

I looked into the copper IUD, but the side effects are a little scary. I think an ectopic pregnancy would be a horrible experience to go through. Even if I'm not likely to have that problem. The patch just isn't something I want to try. And I'm also worried about something like the IUD or neuvaring falling out.

Does anyone have any good advice on what to go with? Depoprovera seems to be the only thing that gives bc protection and the side affects I guess aren't that severe with me. The sex drive could definitely be better though. And I do have mood swings but I think I had some before I started that. I'm just really confused and don't know exactly what I want to go with or what to trust except I know I don't want to get pregnant and I wish I had a better sex drive.

Can anyone help me??

Thanks!

Luscious Latana


iVillage Member
Registered: 11-17-2003
Sat, 07-10-2004 - 4:59pm
If the depo is working for you why don't you stick with it. As you said the only real side effects are lower sex drive and no lubrication. If you go back onto a pill your body will have to adjust and you may get side effects that are unpleasant. I would say stick with what you got so your body doesn't have to go thru so many changes again. You want to be able to enjoy getting prepared for your wedding and all and don't need something keeping you down from that. Also, really think about the vasectomy. My hubby and I said we would never ever have kids then 9 years later we changed our tune. Adopting is just not the same as having your own. ( I am all for adopting don't get me wrong). We said the same thing oh we can adopt later if need be. I could not imagine my life without my daughter. I was about 33 when I had her. Just something to think about. Just hate for you to make any permanent descisions based on what you are feeling at the moment. People change their way of thinking as they mature. Congrats on the engagement and good luck. Hope you find a birth control that works for you.

Trish :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-03-2004
Sat, 07-10-2004 - 8:51pm
Depo is a wonderful choice for the convenience it offers as far as not having to take a pill every day and essentially no drug interactions. I was on Depo for 4 years and loved it. So convenient! Fortunately for me, I had no bleeding ever and no decreased libido. However, I did gain over 20 pounds and suffered from depression. I say discuss it with your doctor and your partner to decide what's best. There's no point in staying on the Depo if you're going to be miserable. Low libido and dryness are obviously serious enough that you're concerned. There are good choices out there besides the pill (think about the patch or the ring). It's different for every woman. And don't rule out the IUD before talking to your doctor. An ectopic pregnancy is a possibility all the time-not just when you have an IUD in place.

I'm not currently in a long term relationship, but when it happens, it will be very difficult for me to not go back on the Depo. It was perfect for me, I loved it...but I didn't love what it did to my body. One thing's for sure, I was never worried about getting pregnant when I was on the shot. Now, I'm always paranoid that something I did affected the way my pill is working.

Good luck. You will find something that works for you-it may just take a little while.