Shot vs. Pill

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-13-2004
Shot vs. Pill
2
Wed, 10-13-2004 - 11:53am
Does the shot really work just the same as the pill? Is there any risks with the shot?
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-14-2004
In reply to: amy_shortie
Wed, 10-13-2004 - 4:30pm
Yes, the shot works the same. Actually, Depo-Provera has a higher effectiveness rate - 99.7% and you don`t have to worry about user failer since it`s administered by a doctor or nurse every three months. In general, the side effects of Depo are similar to that of the pill. Only thing is, while on Depo, many more women seem to gain weight than those on the pill - about 5 lbs or so a year. Personally, I`ve been on Depo for a year, and haven`t gained any weight. Some women have very strong reactions to the progestins in Depo and just have a horrible way to go. Same can be said for the pill, too, I suppose. It just depends on your individual body chemisty and how it reactions with the shot. Overall, I haven`t had any major side effects aside from a fluctating libido - one day I`ll be climbing the wall and the next getting in the mood is like climbing Mount Everest. Also, if you want to have kids within the next year, Depo isn`t recommended - it can take your body up to around a year to begin ovulating normally again. It varies from woman to woman how long it takes to return to fertility.

Hope this helps. :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
In reply to: amy_shortie
Thu, 10-14-2004 - 7:35am
With the shot you're also committed to side effects if you get them--there's no way to "reverse" the effects of the shot, so once you get it you're stuck with it, for better or worse, until it wears off.

As Kellyann mentioned, Depo does have weight gain as a noticeable side effect (no other method of contraception has quite this record), the average is supposedly 5-6 pounds a year, but we've talked to women who have gained 20-40 pounds. Depo also will reduce bone density (reversibly), so if you get it, make sure to take calcium supplements, eat your vegetables, and do weight-bearing exercise. This is more important if you're in your early 20's and still developing bone mass. Irregular bleeding is also more common with Depo because of the lack of estrogen--periods stop for many women, but sometimes the endometrium becomes unstable and the blood vessels leak periodically. But it's very effective contraception!!

Some women love Depo and won't use anything else. Some women absolutely hate it. You'll have to weigh the risks and benefits and decide if you want to give it a go! Good luck....

Judie
Co-cl for Birth Control
Judie Cl for Birth Control