The pill or the contraceptive injection?

Question

I can't decide. And i have an appointment on monday morning. what works best for each of you?

Answer 1

Please take my advice and use the pill, i have done so for the last 7 years and have never had any problem with it at all, it is so convenient and if you forget to take it there are ways to make up for it. I have had three friends who had all tried the injection and each one of them when they have decided not to use that method anymore have bled non stop for over a month. If it had happened to one person i would have said it was unlucky but not three it sounds like this could be a common problem.

Answer 2

Pill Injection

Answer 3

I have tried both and I've settled on the pill after I went onto the injection for a change. I can say it made me suicidal the mood swings were horrendous and I felt like throwing myself under a bus! ( I am a happy go lucky 24yr old with no history of mental health problems)! Also I found the symptoms would get worse each time I had one. So by the end I was almost tempted to have it again so I didn't feel so bad. It also made me gain weight every time I got weighed ( I'm usually a size 8). The not having periods was good but not worth my mental health.I have had no problems with the pill. I suppose you should try each method and see which one suits you. Although I would err on the side of caution if you choose the injection.

Answer 4

The two answers above make excellent points. There are many common side effects with the depot forms of birth control including bleeding. In general, the side effect profile is much better with Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs).

So what's the point of injections? These are generally used for people who are unreliable, and might not be able to take an OCP on a regular, daily basis.

If you feel you are responsible enough to take a pill everyday without missing doses, then by all means start OCPs. If not, and pregnancy must be avoided, the depot injections might be a good choice.

Answer 5

I personally prefer the shot. So much more convenient, and I can never remember to take the pill at the same time everyday. But, make sure you read up on the side effects for each. A lot of women have had very bad experiences on the depo shots, extrememe mood swings, slight weight gain (so does the pill though), in the beginning I lost a little more than usual hair from my head(it does stop and only noticeable when your washing your hair). Plus side with the shot, after a few shots you're periods can/probablly will stop. Downside to that, you may have very light bleeding till the hormone levels adjust. But if you do have periods, they are much lighter. Just read up on both and decide the pros and cons of each.

Answer 6

Shot, shot, shot!!!!! I LOVED IT!!! Every 11-12 weeks I went in, got a quick injection in my shoulder (do NOT do the butt - that HURTS!), and went on my merry way. I had a period only about once every 15 months, so I didn't have acne, hormonal PMS crap, mood swings, eating frenzies, etc. Nor did I have weight gain, which apparently is a chief complaint of a lot of users - but then again, depending on the type of pill you use, you could get it from that as well.

My vote is the shot! If my insurance still covered it, I'd still be using it!!!

BTW, if you decide on the pill, you might want to consider using one that's mono-phasic (a single chemical all month long) versus a tri-phasic pill (three different chemicals over three weeks). A lot of women end up with bad hormonal problems because of the tri-phasics... just my humble opinion - from reading this forum and personal experience (I now use Lo-Estrin 1.5/30 and it's GREAT...almost as good as the shot...except for the period part!).

Answer 7

Sweetie pie are you my clone? I had exactly the same Q?infact I thought this was one of my Qs. I've been on the injection for the last 6 months. Have had rerrible mood swings, am tired all the time, got all signs of menopause and above all I've put on over a stone in weight. I was due for my 3rd injection yesterday but did not go.. oh and today I had some bleeding which i haven't had for the last 5 months. I have tried the pill before but not long enough to give advice on it. I have searched a lot on the Deprovera(injection) and all I've come across is horror stories. Please research more on this injection before you have. As for me it's never again.

Answer 8

We are all different thank goodness but I personally wouldn't reccomend the shot to anyone. I went for it some years back as it seemed great idea at the time but after only a few months I had a list of problems. Doc never gave me any more but my periods never returned, went to the docs telling him I was 3 months pregnant which I was most happy about I must say to be told tests showed negative . Cut long story short I had 4 periods in 19 months and yes I did end up pregnant which was only discovered when I went into theatre for a laparoscopy. 20 weeks pregnant I was and devastated. After having 3 boys U would think I would have guessed but no I had felt pregnant for such a long time before when I wasn't. My only daughter was 12 last week and I would change her for the world. Doesn't suit us all does it.

Answer 9

I do not recommend the shot. I was on the Depo (shot) for the past 6 years after my son was born. I have had so many problems with my bones and teeth over these years because of the shot. I was recently told that I should have not been given the shot for longer than two years because of these side effects. On the other hand, I didn't have a period while I was on the shot and it was really convenient only having to go to the Dr. every three months to get a quick shot. Ever thought of the patch? I hear that it is as effective as the pills. Good luck to you.

Answer 10

the coil no messing with ur hormones, no remembering to take pill, no side effects. i had v.bad effects off pill at only 20 and told never to take again. injection cant be removed if u suffer effects. coil is totally hassle free, dont believe old wives tales of heavy bleeding etc i've not regreted once. good luck an decide quick unless u want baby.