which type of birth control is better, the depo shot or the pills, and why?
598285
The pill.Possible Side Effects\nThe birth control pill is a safe and effective method of birth control. Most young women who take the Pill have none to very few side effects. However, the side effects that some women do have while on the Pill include:\n\nirregular menstrual bleeding \nnausea, weight gain, headaches, dizziness, and breast tenderness \nmood changes \nblood clots (rare in women under 35 who do not smoke) \nSome of these side effects improve over the first 3 months on the Pill. When a girl has side effects, a doctor will sometimes prescribe a different brand of the Pill.\n\nThe Pill also has some side effects that most young women are happy about. It usually makes periods much lighter, reduces cramps, and is often prescribed for women who have menstrual problems. Taking the Pill often improves acne, and some doctors prescribe it for this purpose. Birth control pills have also been found to protect against some forms of breast disease, anemia, ovarian cysts, and uterine cancer.\nDepo provera\nSide effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Depo-Provera.\n\nBy far, the most common side effect of Depo-Provera is unpredictable menstrual bleeding. In fact, most women have some change in their menstrual pattern. For example, when first taking Depo-Provera, it is common to have spotting between menstrual periods, or an increase or decrease in the amount of bleeding when menstrual periods occur. With continued use, many women stop having their menstrual periods altogether.\n\nBy 12 months (or four injections), 55 percent of women report not having periods, and by 24 months, 68 percent no longer have periods. Going without a menstrual period is not an indication that something is wrong, however.\n\n\nMore common side effects may include: \nAbdominal pain or discomfort, dizziness, headache, nervousness, unpredictable menstrual bleeding, weakness or fatigue, weight gain or loss \n\n\nLess common side effects may include: \nAcne, backache, bloating, breast pain, swelling, or tenderness, decreased sex drive, depression, fluid retention, hair loss, hot flashes, inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, inability to have an orgasm, joint pain, lack of hair growth, leg cramps, nausea, pain in the pelvic area, rash, vaginal discharge or irritation, vaginal inflammation \n\n\nRare side effects may include: \nAllergic reactions (sometimes severe), anemia, asthma, bleeding from the rectum or nipples, blood clots, blood clots in the lungs, blood disorders, breast cancer, breast lumps, cancer in the neck of the uterus, changes in appetite, change in breast size, chest pain, chills, convulsions, difficult or labored breathing, drowsiness, dry skin, excessive growth of hair, excessive or unusual flow of milk, excessive sweating and body odor, excessive thirst, facial paralysis, fainting, feeling of being pregnant, fever, hoarseness, increased sex drive, infections of the reproductive and urinary tracts, lack of return to fertility, overgrowth of the uterus, pain at the injection site, pain during sexual intercourse, painful menstruation, paralysis, prevention of the flow of milk, rapid heartbeat, skin discoloration, stomach and intestinal problems, swelling in the armpit, thinning of bones, tingling or ``pins and needles'', toughening or hardening of the skin, unexpected pregnancy, vaginal cysts, varicose veins, yellow eyes and skin \n\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
768268
Rikki - I wouldn't touch it!\n\nDoctors are wrong about this one. Depo provera is not safe!\n\nUnbeknownst to many women on birth control, Depo-Provera has been on the radar for the FDA and other research-based health organizations for several years. Last year, the FDA ordered the maker of Depo-Provera to revise the packaging and promotional materials to contain the new "black box" warning which states, "Use of Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection may cause you to lose calcium stored in your bones. The longer you use Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection the more calcium you are likely to lose. Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection contains a powerful variant of the hormone progestosterone which is released through a hypodermic shot given every few months. \n\nSeveral studies have indicated that this hormone can increase the loss of bone density in women of all ages, including teen and young adult women who are in critical stages of natural bone growth. Osteoporosis and the loss of bone density typically effect women later in life making them susceptible to fractures throughout the skeletal system. Health care professionals advise those taking Depo-Provera to discuss a bone density test with their physician and advise using Depo-Provera for no more than 2 years or using a birth control alternative.\n\nHere is one young lady's experience:\n50lb weight gain (half off most of it now years later) \nExtreme Excitability, Nervousness (first two years terrible) \nPanic Attacks, Paranoia (first two years) \nShortness of Breath (horrible first two years - still with me today) \nGreat loss of libido (first two years, getting better every year) \nPainful intercourse (for about two years) \nSevere lack of lubrication (at least 2 yrs., getting better) \nLowered immune system (still suffering but not as severe) \nLoss of hair (the first year with shot, then subsided) \nNow (current) unwanted hair on breasts, toes, face \nViolent headaches (coming from pain at base of skull) \nExtremely sore, stiff, crippled muscles all over body (still today but MUCH better than 97,98,99) \nBlurry vision - trouble getting my eyes to focus on objects \nDizziness (still today - but MUCH improved) \nInability to bend over (feel like I will pass out) \nSevere neck and shoulder pain (still today) \nJaw pain.. facial pain (like TMJ symptoms) 5+ years \nBreast Tenderness & Pains - Fibrocystic breasts (still today) \nHeart palpitations - irregular heart beat (still today) \nChronic sinus and yeast infections (still today) \nConcentration and memory problems (still today) \nAcne - not (teenager type acne - large boil/cyst like acne) \nSuicidal thoughts because daily debilitating pain was too much
166817
Birth control pills are usually used to regulate your cycles.  Vitex/Chasteberry is a good herb that also does this, but a capsule that is 80 mg, rather than the ones you see that are 500 mg.  Natural Factors makes this particular potency.
522702
The depo-shot has a half-life of 6 - 12 months meaning it may take you that long to get pregnant after stopping. The reccomendation is to wait six months but only because of side-effects of birth control hormones. This theory is based on lack of studies.
611033
My doctor said that Seasonale is perfectly safe as long as you have your normal periods and are healthy. I am taking my first packet now. It cost me $50.00 for 3 months with my insurance. I believe it is about $120.00 without insurance. I have not had any spotting at all. It is nice not having a period for so long, but I feel more emotional now. I used to be on Yasmin, and I believe Seasonale is higher in hormones. I can definately tell. I just feel a little moody all the time. It does have some pros though. When I took the Depo shot, I had a decreased sexual drive. I was worried about the same with the Seasonale, but I did not experience any decrease at all. Also, I gained about 3 pounds the first month, but it came back off the next month. I didn't feel bloated, like some birth control can make you feel. Overall, Seasonale is a good choice. Hopefully, they will come out with a lower hormone version soon. Then it will be a perfect pill.
762066
I got massive headaches when I was on the pill. When I started taking depo within a few months my periods stopped altogether. I might have two or three very light days a year. I've been on it for three years and haven't had any issues. I'm sorry to hear that other people have had problems, but for me it has worked really well.
1034777
Depo will make you have mood swings, after all, it is hormones you're taking.  I took the shot back in the day and it did the same thing to me, but severely.  I had to get off them.  Talk to your doctor, maybe she can give you some advise or even get you on some other kind of birth controll.  In the mean time, let your bf know you are going to be a real b**ch for the next few days and that is due to your birth controll.  If he is as smart as he sounds he will steer a wide path when you go on a tirade.  Your body will eventually adjust to the swarm of hormones and you will be back to normal.  Write him a letter and leave it where he can find it, telling him you love him and not to take anything you say or do personally for the next few days to weeks.
945229
You are being paranoid...used properly, they are both effective for birth control.
706155
The shot!!!  I love the shot!  I only have to remember it every three months and after a year I was period and cramp free!!  It is extremely effective!  I can not take hormone based birth control so this really was the only option other than condoms.  Since my fiance does not like to wear condoms, this was my only option.  I was in your boat once upon a time.  My older is son is going to be 3 in March and my younger son is going to be 2 in June!
799422
I was on the depo shot for 5 years. I hardly ever had an appetite. However, I gained about 75lbs from it. I called my doctor and she said that it was normal. I was goin to stop it, but it was to late I found out I was pregnant already. She should try other types of birth control if shes not happy. Theres alot out there now from when I was on it. Good luck with it.   :)
123130
Don't...Depo is dangerous, lowers your libido, can cause you to have a spontaneous abortion, lowers bone density causing brittleness (easily broken bones) and osteoporosis. As well as breast cancer. \n\nHormonal birth control is dangerous.
409719
DO NOT try the Depo-Provera shot, then. I used it & gained weight, had wierd mood-swings & periods that lasted 2 weeks at a time
1003238
Depo-Provera\nHow it works:\nEvery three months, your doctor gives you and injection of progestin, a synthetic hormone that suppresses ovulation and interferes with implantation.  \nIt is 97% effective. You only have to think about birth control 4 times a year.  It contains no estrogen, so you don't have to worry about blood clots, and other risks associated with birth control pills.  There is a new version called Depo-SubQ Provera104 that contains one-third less progestin than the original Depo, so side effects have been drastically reduced.  \nYou may have irregular periods during the first three to six months of use, and it takes an average of 10 months for your periods to return after your last shot, so this method is not ideal if you want to become pregnant within a year or so after discontinuing use.  \nWeight gain:\nWomen put on an average of 5.5 pounds during the first year of use.  (Which does not calculate to "massive  weight gain")\nThe shot is also associated with bone loss because it shuts down ovulation, resulting in low levels of estrogen, a hormone that protects bone.  As a result, the FDA has restricted the use of Depo to no more than two years at a time.
460200
Exercise! Eating right. What you would normally use to lose weight. Don't use the lose weight pills. Those can be dangerous and could interact with the depo still in your system.
818892
I am not an expert about the pill, so I researched this for you, after you read it, you will have a much better understanding...\n\n \n\nWhat are Birth Control Pills? \nThe Pill is the most popular type of birth control. There are many different brands of The Pill and they come in packs of 21 or 28 pills. One pill is taken every day. The first 21 pills have a combination of synthetic estrogen and progesterone hormones. The Pill stops ovulation, preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs. The Pill also thickens cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to enter the uterus. The hormones in the Pill prevent fertilization. The last 7 pills of a 28-day pack have no hormones and are called spacer pills. The Pill is 92-99.7% effective as birth control. It does not protect against reproductive tract infections, including HIV/AIDS.\n\nUse \nWhen started within 6 days of the start of a period or within 6 days after an abortion, The Pill is effective immediately. If the Pill is started at other times, it will be effective after one month. To lower the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, condoms can be used while taking The Pill. \nStarting The Pill:\nThere are several ways to begin taking The Pill. One common way is to start on the first day of your period or the first day after an abortion. Some women prefer to start on the first Sunday after they begin their period or the first Sunday after an abortion. \nContinuing:\nTake one pill every day until you finish an entire pack. Try to link taking The Pill with a regular activity that you do at the same time every day, like eating a meal or brushing your teeth. If you have a 28-day pack, start a new pack immediately after you finish the old one. If you have a 21-day pack, take one pill every day for 21 days, no pills for 7 days, then start the new pack immediately. \nCautions \nSome women may not be able to take The Pill because of the risk of serious health problems. Women who are over 35 and smoke or who have any of the following conditions should not take The Pill: \n·History of heart attack or stroke\n·Blood clots\n·Unexplained vaginal bleeding\n·Known or suspected cancer\n·Known or suspected pregnancy\n·Liver disease \nWomen who are under 35 and smoke, have migraines, gallbladder disease, hypertension, diabetes, epilepsy, sickle cell disease, elective surgery, a history of blood clots, liver or heart disease may not be able to take The Pill. Your clinician or doctor can decide. \nWomen who use The Pill have a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. The effects of The Pill on breast cancer are still unknown. The Pill lowers a woman's chance of developing ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and pelvic inflammatory disease. \nAs the body adjusts to hormonal changes created by The Pill, women often experience some minor side effects, including:\n·Irregular bleeding or spotting\n·Nausea\n·Breast tenderness\n·Weight gain and/or water retention\n·Spotty darkening of the skin\n·Mood changes\nSide effects usually disappear after 2-3 cycles. If your side effects are bothersome after 2-3 cycles or if heavy bleeding occurs, continue taking your pills and call the clinic for an appointment to talk about your prescription. \nDrug Interactions \nThe effectiveness of the Pill is lowered when taken with certain medications, including antibiotics, anti-seizure, tuberculosis, and migraine medications. If you are taking any medications, tell your clinician. When taking medications that may interfere with BC, consider adding a backup method of birth control, like condoms and spermicide. As with all drugs, it is useful to inform all your medical providers if you are using hormonal birth control. \nWomen who experience any of the following symptoms while taking The Pill should call the clinic immediately: \n·Abdominal pains (severe) \n·Chest pain or shortness of breath \n·Headaches (severe) \n·Eye problems, such as blurred vision \n·Severe leg or arm pain or numbness
790409
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.
814155
There is no injection every 6 months.  There is a birth control injection for every 3 months which is called Depo-Provera.  I absolutely loved it - but it's not for everyone.  You get an injection once every 12 weeks AND BONUS you stop your menstrual cycles usually within a year's time (you save on buying pads, tampons, no pms).  I was on it for 8 years - I had to go off though because it is linked with decreasing bone density and osteoporosis runs in my family.  Some people gain weight (my sister did) and some people who are prone to migraines or depression are also advised to steer clear of Depo-Provera.  Talk to your doctor about your options.  I found that Depo was also relatively cheap (about $40 an injection which is for 3 months) compared to other forms (Patch $20/month, birth control pills ($17.50/month).\n\nGood luck.