Depo Provera - bleeding

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-10-2004
Depo Provera - bleeding
2
Fri, 12-10-2004 - 2:12pm

I am 32 years old and have been on depo-provera for 8 years now.

About three months after starting Depo I stopped having periods completely. My physician explained this was normal.

I occasionly get very little "breakthrough bleeding" just enough to wear a panty liner.

Something strange has happened recently that I don't know how to explain.

Specifically after orgasm - usually the next morning - I will experience bleeding. I would consider it more than "breakthrough bleeding" it is heavier - almost like a "mini period" and can last up to about three days.

This only happens after orgasm - not sex. If I have sex and no orgasm - there is no bleeding.

I have no pain associated with this and wonder if it is something to worry about.

Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Fri, 12-10-2004 - 8:05pm

Hi topekasbest, welcome!

If you have been on Depo for 8 years it could be that your body has changed to the point that you are beginning to have some side effects. I think bleeding only after orgasm might be related to uterine contractions during orgasm. If the Depo isn't keeping your endometrium as stable as it once did and your climaxes cause your uterus to contract that might cause your bleeding. Yours is a really good question to ask your doctor. Let us know what s/he says ok?

Good luck,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-11-2004
Sun, 12-12-2004 - 12:32pm
Depo Provera can cause unusual bleeding problems. You might want to ask your doctor about what's happening. You probably should be looking into another form of birth control anyway though. The FDA is now recommending that women not use Depo Provera for any longer than two years since it can cause significant problems with bone loss and those losses may not be reversible. Since you've been using it for eight years, you might want to look into having your bone density checked out and see what can be done. You could be at a much higher risk of getting osteoporosis when you're older.