I have been on Depo for 3 years total and have tried to mini pill (but I can't remember to take it).  I know that Depo causes bone density loss but it is one of my only options.  I get migraine headaches so I can't take anything that contains estrogen.  My fiance and I plan on starting a family within five years and apparently it can take up to 1 year to regain fertility.  What would you do in my situation?  Should I continue on the Depo and risk bone loss or try another method?  By the way, I don't trust condoms 100%, so I don't just want to depend on that.
124261
try not having sex till you are married. and then learn your ovulation cycle as well as use condoms. \nor you can just have your man pull out every time. \nI've learned my ovulation cycle and been active for over 2 years with no baby... I still use condoms though
548411
i know many girls that have been on it since they were 16 or 17 and are now in their mid 20's.  might want to take a few months off now and then if you can. but then again there is no real proof that will do much, just makes some people feel better about it.  the only thing that might happen is when you do go off it to have  a child some day (if you decide to) it might take a few months for your body to start ovulating again (3 months or so).  the pill has also been shown to help protect again certain things like uterine cancer.  but as the previous poster mentioned as long as you have no health problems.  if you smoke or have blood clots in the family or serious other health problems (women with breast cancer in your family), you really need to let your health care provider know about these things and discuss it with them.
588954
NO NO NO NO\nI had one shot  once and that was enough.  The upside: it is a shot once every 3 months and you don't get your period.  Sounds great.\nThe downside: Depo is what they give sex offenders to reduce their sex drive.  Also one of the side effects is hair loss and my hair came out in clumps when I was on it.  When you stop taking it, you bleed for about  3 weeks.  There is something unnatural about restricting your cycle like that.\nRead these, then make your decision.  Good luck\nhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depo_Provera\nhttp://www.brown.edu/Student_Services/Health_Services/Health_Education/sexual_health/ssc/depo.htm\nhttp://www.abcinternetmarketing.com/depo-provera/\nhttp://pub12.ezboard.com/fdepoproverainformationsitesideeffectsofdepoprovera
619785
The Basics\n\n"The shot" is an injectable progestin-only prescription method of reversible birth control. It contains a hormone that is similar to the progesterone made by a woman's ovaries to regulate the menstrual cycle. The shot is also known as DMPA. The D stands for "depot," the solution in which the hormone is suspended. The hormone is medroxyprogesterone acetate. The common brand name for the DMPA shot is Depo-Provera.\n\nA shot of DMPA can prevent pregnancy for 12 weeks. It\n\n\nusually, prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation)\n\nless often, thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm from joining an egg\n\nalters the lining of the uterus, which, in theory, may prevent implantation of a fertilized egg\n\nEffectiveness\n\nThe shot is one of the most effective reversible methods of birth control. Of every 1,000 women who use it correctly and consistently, only three will become pregnant during the first year of use. Three in 100 women will become pregnant with typical use.\n\nProtection is immediate if you take the shot during the first seven days of your period. Otherwise, use a backup method of contraception for the first week. Protection lasts for 12 weeks.\n\nThe shot is not effective against sexually transmitted infections. Use a latex or female condom to reduce the risk.\n\n\nAdvantages & Disadvantages\n\nAdvantages\n\ncan be used by women who cannot take estrogen\n\ncan be used while breastfeeding\n\neffective for 12 weeks\n\nhelps prevent cancer of the lining of the uterus\n\nno pill to take daily\n\nnothing to put in place before vaginal intercourse\n\nDisadvantages\n\n\nmust receive shot every three months\n\npregnancies, which very rarely occur, are more likely to be ectopic (in a fallopian tube)\n\nmay not be used continuously for more than two years unless no other method is right for you\n\ntakes an average of nine to 10 months — or sometimes more than a year — to get pregnant after getting the last shot\n\nPossible Side Effects\n\nIrregular bleeding is the most common side effect for women using DMPA. It is more common in the first six to 12 months of use. \n\nPeriods become fewer and lighter for most women, and often stop altogether. The longer a woman uses the shot, the more likely her periods will stop. It may take up to a year for periods to return after a woman's last shot.\n\nSome women will have longer, heavier periods.\n\nSome may have increased light spotting and breakthrough bleeding.\n\nDMPA use is associated with temporary bone thinning. Talk with your health care provider about the risks. To help protect your bones, get regular exercise and get extra calcium and vitamin D — either through your diet or by using supplements.\n\nLess Common Side Effects \n\n\nchange in sex drive\n\nchange of appetite, weight gain\n\ndepression\n\nhair loss, or increased hair on the face or body\n\nheadache\n\nnausea\n\nnervousness, dizziness\n\nskin rash or spotty darkening of the skin\n\nsore breasts\n\nThere is no way to stop the side effects of the shot c they may continue until it wears off (12–14 weeks).\n\nWarning Signs\n\nSerious problems are rare. Tell your clinician immediately if you have\n\n\na new lump in your breast\n\nmajor depression\n\nsevere pain in the stomach or abdomen\n\nunusually heavy or prolonged vaginal bleeding\n\nyellowing of skin or eyes\n\nWho Can Use the Shot?\n\nMost women can use the shot. \n\nIt may be especially appropriate if you\n\nwant very effective long-lasting contraception\n\ncannot take estrogen\n\nare unable to use barrier methods routinely or take a daily pill\n\nUsually women who use the shot need special medical supervision if they have\n\n\ncurrent serious blood clotting conditions\n\nhigh blood pressure\n\nhigh risk for heart disease\n\na history of severe depression\n\nliver disease, such as hepatitis, abnormal results on liver function tests, or a history of liver tumors\n\nYou should not use the shot if you\n\n\ncan
263267
Yes you can, on depo it can take a year or sometimes more to get pregnant after you stop but just because you have not had your period does not mean that you cannot get pregnant, trust me my youngest son was a "suprise" baby because of that reason!  It can be your imagination also but I would go see a doctor if I were you
457476
It is a shot, and you have your doctor give it to you on the first or second day of your period, but no later. If you wait more than two days, you have to wait until your next period to take it. Keep in mind that this is a shot, not a pill. Once you take it, you are not due for another one for three months. Also, google depo-provera..there is a website called "depo-provera horror stories". Just look into it before you take it. It never hurts to be well informed.
358602
ask the dr what he thinks is more suitable.  depends on if you want long term or short term and your lifestyle. they have pamplets and they will list options pros and cons. for long term  as in 5 years---iud, for regular pill(if you take them),and the depo shot takes the least commitment..but know your options..i don't suggest noraplant ( i believe thats the name) good luck and good to know your options to prevent an unplanned pg
608729
What injection is this?  what is it called?\n\nIf its the hormone inj depo-prevera it takes a while for the periods to return to normal in some cases 6 months to a year..\n\ni was on the depo for just about 6 months and i had a period after stopping it 6 weeks later it depends on you
213132
Gaining weight is the last thing that should be on your mind if you are on Depo provaro(shot)? I was on it for  two years and it was great then all of the sudden i was gaining a few extra pounds here and there no biggy?  Then nauturally @ 130 lbs. my legs began to get very sore and heavy feeling, not thinking anything of it i just thought growing pains nope then at the age 16 it became that i could hardley walk because of the pain. i went to the doctor after lots of test they told me that depo was taking cirrculation out of my legs then to make matters worse i had noticed blood in my bra which was caused by the shot because your body is making hormones to fit a pregnant women since i was not pregnant that happened which ups your chances for breast cancer so then i want to my gydecoligists and she said simply that the shot is not for everyonethen they found in more recent studies that the shot take more than half of your bodies calcium out of your body and that young women have been diagnosed with austroproses (sorry spelling) i would advise you to stop getting the shot when your 3 months is up and be put on the pill, i no this isnt conveinant but neither is these problems that i was so blind to. after the shot i was lucky to return normal but after resurch some have not been as lucky? Oh and it does make you bitchy and sex drive is lessened. If you have  any questions ask me please i will tell you staight up???\n\nemilys sister
200874
you're period will be wonky for a while. give it about 6 months to get back on it's proper schedule. Depo is horrible. Is really screws up a woman's system. When I came off it I had no period for another three months, constant bleeding for over two months, spotting for a few weeks after that and then finally a normal period cycle.\n\nHowever, if you are having unprotected sex, you could be pregnant.
488810
I was on Depo Provera for about 4 years.  When I went off it, it took about 3 months for my period to return.  So no, I don't think anything is wrong.  My ob-gyn said if I don't have one after about 3 months, then contact him.
525058
Don't do it.  There are a lot of women even on here that you can verify are having a lot of problems with it.  You may be creating an irreverseible problem.\n\nDepo Provera is akin to forcing your body into an early menopause state.\n\nI've been off the Depo Provera since 2000 and my hair and my eyebrows still haven't grown all the way back. I lost about a 1/4 inch along most of my front hair line. The rest of my hair came back and is thick and strong, but the hairline is not the same compared to what it was. In addition to the severe hair loss, I gained over 40 pounds, 20 while taking Depo and 20 after coming off. I never had a migraine before Depo and during use and for the first year after being off it, I had severe migraines at least once a week. My skin itched like I wanted to rip it off and I was hot all the time. I would get extreme vertigo with no warning. Just try staggering at work or while in the pharmacy and not look like you had a drinking problem! My bones also ached a lot. Depo has been proven to cause osteoporosis. Over a year after coming off the Depo Provera, I developed two serious blood clots one after the other. The cause was never completely determined because I had not been on birth control of any kind for over a year and my blood tests were normal. I finally had a rib removed and the clots stopped, but I will contend to this day the Depo had at least a little something to do with it. About the same time as the blood clots, I started having severe cramping and a year into it, my doctor found pretty severe endometriosis. With the resulting depression and the lack of sex from Depo you may not have to worry about getting pregnant because you won't want to have sex anyway. I know some people do just fine with this birth control, but it's not worth the chance. It takes upwards of 6 to 8 months for the effects to wear off and sometimes longer. My hair has never grown completely back along the hairline and I am having a hair transplant at a tune of $5,000.00 to fix it.  I had to have my eyebrows tattooed because they will not fill back in!   I am only 35! I can't wait until Depo is researched more deeply and to someday find out what else this drug did to screw up my system. \n\nI got the (copper) IUD (since I can't use hormones anymore due to future clotting risks). My insurance paid for it. You still get your period, but it's worth it.\n\nOur bodies are made to have periods unless we are pregnant. If you force your body into an unnatural state, it WILL fight back!
555805
It can usually take up to 18 months for your body to get regulated again once off depo.  As it has been 5 years, then both you and your partner need to see your doctor for an  exam, and possibly get a referral to a fertility specialist.
349339
Depo Provera is akin to forcing your body into an early menopause state.\n\nI've been off the Depo Provera since 2000 and my hair still hasn't grown all the way back. I lost about a 1/4 inch along most of my front hair line. The rest of my hair came back and is thick and strong, but the hairline is not the same compared to what it was. In addition to the severe hair loss, I gained over 40 pounds, 20 while taking Depo and 20 after coming off. I never had a migraine before Depo and during use and for the first year after being off it, I had severe migraines at least once a week. My skin itched like I wanted to rip it off and I was hot all the time. I would get extreme vertigo with no warning. Just try staggering at work or while in the pharmacy and not look like you had a drinking problem! My bones also ached a lot. Depo has been proven to cause osteoporosis. Over a year after coming off the Depo Provera, I developed two serious blood clots one after the other. The cause was never completely determined because I had not been on birth control of any kind for over a year and my blood tests were normal. I finally had a rib removed and the clots stopped, but I will contend to this day the Depo had at least a little something to do with it. About the same time as the blood clots, I started having severe cramping and a year into it, my doctor found pretty severe endometriosis. With the resulting depression and the lack of sex from Depo you may not have to worry about getting pregnant because you won't want to have sex anyway. I know some people do just fine with this birth control, but it's not worth the chance. It takes upwards of 6 to 8 months for the effects to wear off and sometimes longer. My hair has never grown completely back along the hairline and I am having a hair transplant at a tune of $5,000.00 to fix it. I am only 35! I can't wait until Depo is researched more deeply and to someday find out what else this drug did to screw up my system. \n\nI got the (copper) IUD (since I can't use hormones anymore due to future clotting risks). My insurance paid for it. You still get your period, but I think it's worth it.  \n\nOur bodies are made to have periods unless we are pregnant. If you force your body into an unnatural state, it WILL fight back!
374727
After having children the mucus discharge does thicken. The irregular bloody spotting with it probably means your system is a bit out of whack after having children and being off Depo. Talk to your OB/GYN and see if getting back on some kind of birth control will help regulate your periods again. If they continue to get worse though, they might consider a D&C or ablation. Stop using Depro though...it's now being related to bone disorders. Ask your dr. about the NuvaRing....it's easy to use and works very well. Regulated my periods immediately!
409304
WELL...do I have a lot to say about this!\nWhen I got to college, I decided to get on birth control because I was sexually active.  I originally started on Depo Provera.  I went through three shots, then stopped them because I was concerned about the severe cramping and spotting I was having.  When I stopped taking them, I had a period for a straight month and then very irregular menstruation for a year thereafter.  :(  \n\nThen, a year later, when I was on serious boyfriend #2, I decided to go on the pill.  I kept forgetting them at inconvenient times - rushed trips across the state because of a relative in the hospital, etc.  This was not effective at all.  Plus, I had the worst loss of libido ever.  I was pretty moody.  My boyfriend said that it was how the BC worked...he couldn't get any!!   And I was rather disappointed about how the Pill *didn't* clear up my monthly acne breakouts.\n\nThen, I decided to go on the Ortho Evra patch.  I loved it...until I had a blood clot.  I had throbbing pain in my right arm one night for hours, then my whole right side went numb for a couple of days.  It passed, but I was advised not to go on hormonal BC for another year. \n\nI was recently cleared to take the progesterone-only pills (like Depo, but no shot), but my now-husband and I decided it wasn't worth the risk to my health.  Now, we always use condoms and we're very careful close to my fertile time...\n\nI think that only your doctor and you can really go through the pros and cons of hormonal BC.  Sometimes a woman's body chemistry handles the hormones differently.  Monitor your symptoms after going on the BC and then keep in touch with your MD.
246383
ask your doc if he would put you on clomid, its a fertility drug that makes your ovaries produce more eggs, I took it to get pregnant with my first child, worked the first month too, after trying unsuccessfully for 2 years. Possible sideeffects tho, are maybe a multiple pregnancy