DepoProvera

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-30-2005
DepoProvera
8
Wed, 07-19-2006 - 3:14pm

I recently got the Depo shot after failed attempts of the Pill. I was on the minipill, which I just didn't trust because I have several friends who have gotten pregnant on it. Plus, I had skipped several pills, so I decided to do something I don't have to remember every day...

Anyways, does anyone have any good links about the Depo shot...? I was also wondering if anyone had any personal stories about how they did on it? I have heard some people say they love it, and how others hate it...so just curious if anyone had any reasons one way or the other.

I was also wondering if anyone here had any complications conceiving after being on the depo shot. I know that it takes some people longer to concieve after coming off of the shot...I was also told this about coming off of the regular pill - however; I got pregnant the month after coming off of that...anyone have any personal experience in that as well?

TIA...

*Andrea Leigh
Alison Faith is 4 months old!

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-03-2006
In reply to: sparkleleigh
Wed, 07-19-2006 - 4:43pm

I can speak from personal experience about the DepoProva shot. I was on the shot for about a year and a half. The first time I got the shot I got it the day I started my period and instead of having a regualar period I spotted for months. After that I only had a period as I neared the end of each shot, which I liked. I must say I gained about 20 Ibs. Also about a year into it, I started getting horrible headaches every day. I tried everything and eventually the doctors took me off Depo, and the headaches subsided. I personally wouldnt recommend the shot.

If pills don't work for you because you cant take them consistantly enough. I have the same problem with teh mini pill and have side effects with the pills containing estrongren. Some other things to take a look at are nuva ring, the patch, and an IUD.

Hope that helps.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-12-2002
In reply to: sparkleleigh
Wed, 07-19-2006 - 5:32pm

Firstly, the depo shot isn't recommended for any more than two years, unless there is no other option, due to the risk of irreversible bone density loss.

 


 


iVillage Member
Registered: 04-18-2003
In reply to: sparkleleigh
Thu, 07-20-2006 - 11:26am
Hi Andrea,
I'm 8 weeks into my first depo shot. I have it because I'm breastfeeding and cannot use estrogen. I like it so far, haven't noticed any problems. i know a lot of women do have problems, but a lot don't either:)
I hope you are one of the lucky ones. FYI: I only plan on bf'ing for a year, and I will switch methods after that. I do take calcium supplements and drink A LOT of milk.
Holly
Luke 4/14/06
Holly
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-22-2006
In reply to: sparkleleigh
Thu, 07-20-2006 - 3:48pm

Hi Andrea!

I was on Depo for about 4 years before...For the first year and a half I loved it! I didn't have my periods, I lost about 20 pounds, and everything seemed great...But then after awhile, I started gaining the weight back, eventually weighing more than before I started on it, I got horrible mood swings and headaches, and I lost my sex drive, and when I did have sex it hurt. So after finally figuring out all this was linked to the shot and hearing all the news about the irreversible bone mass loss, I decided to go off it and start the Nuvaring. I love the ring and I am so glad I switched, I feel so much better than when I was on Depo. Hope this helps!!!

Community Leader
Registered: 07-26-1999
In reply to: sparkleleigh
Thu, 07-20-2006 - 4:41pm
I was on Depo 2 different times. Once in my early 20's for about 3 years and once in my late-ish 20's for 9 months. The first time around I loved it, never had a period, had very light cramps, never gained any weight, loved it. The second time around, I was under high amounts of stress at work, which may have contributed to it, but I did put on about 10 pounds and had breakthrew bleeding quiet frequently and pretty bad headaches. The only thing I did have a real problem with was when I went off it each time. I had massive bleeding for many weeks afterwards. The doctor said it was quite normal and the tissue had built up in my uterus and it was just expelling itself. Since I got off it the last time the amount of clots that I have every flow has been significant and my cycles were quite erratic, it was hard on me. Honestly with my first experience of being on it I recommended to plenty of people I loved it, not so much the second time.
Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-12-2002
In reply to: sparkleleigh
Thu, 07-20-2006 - 5:56pm

The doctor was incorrect about the lining building up in the uterus due to the depo shot.

 


 


iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
In reply to: sparkleleigh
Thu, 07-20-2006 - 6:38pm

I agree with Janet. Depo shuts down

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-30-2003
In reply to: sparkleleigh
Sun, 07-23-2006 - 11:19pm

Hi, I have been on Depo twice. The first time I was on it for about 1-2 yrs, dont really remember since it was back in 1997. What I do remember is that I gained alot of weight on it and was having menopause type symptoms. I was having things similar to hot flashes and I was also getting alot of headaches and mood swings. Sorry if this is TMI but I also experienced dryness during sex and my libio was non existent. The upside to it was that I never had a period while on it. I stopped the shot because I lost my insurance. The second time I started it was just recently in January. And the only reason I did was because I have always been bad with pills and me and my fiance were kindof getting tired of using condoms. I was supposed to go for my next shot in April but couldnt make the appointment. Regardless I decided not to continue it because I had the same sex problems as before and in those 3 months I gained 20 lbs. As to my period I had a light one from March till April (yep for a month). I am strongly considering the Mirena IUD now since I have heard some really good things about it and its something I dont have to worry about on a daily basis or something that doesnt have the strong effects that Depo does.

Which ever way you decide, I wish you luck :)

~Rosie