I am interested in getting on the depo shot. The thing is, I don't have any health insurance right now and will be paying entirely out of pocket. What is the average cost right now for depo?
Also, for the girls on the shot right now, do you still get the side effects of your period, even though you don't have them anymore? Specifically the cramps. My cramps have always been bad, and they're starting to get alot worse as I get older. (1st two days I'm usually completely out of commission.)
Thanks.
2006-12-20 00:35:54 · 9 answers · asked by Cheyenne 5 in Health ➔ Women's Health
I've been on the shot for about 5 years. When I started, I didn't have insurance, either, so I went to planned parenthood. I think it was about $60 for three months, but I can't remember exactly (that was a few years ago). Also, you can qualify for lower pricing, depending on your annual income, family status, etc. I personally love being on the shot. I do not have a cramps at all, do not have mood swings, bloating--nothing that is associated with PMS. I also do not have periods. I love this, although some people find it disconcerting. I have heard that many people gain weight when they start taking the shot (the same thing happens when some people start taking the pill). I have not had any problems (and I've gone off and then started the shot back up three times without any weight gain). One thing you should talk to you doctor about, though, is the recent studies that have been done on depo and bone density loss. Some recent studies have shown that when taken for more than two years, patients exhibited a bone density loss, but this loss rebounded again after coming off the shot. When I talked to my doctor, he said that I should not have to worry about that aspect of it because I am very active (work out 6 days a week), so this should help to maintain my bone density.
If you are looking for something that will help with cramps only, the pill often will help with this. I have not had luck with the pill because I can never remember to take it every day. I also tried the patch, but it didn't stick well. The only thing I haven't tried is the nuvo ring, so if you are looking for something other than the pill and you dedcide against the shot, you should look into that. I don't know about the rick of weight gain on the ring, though.
Since you don't have insurance, I would first look into Planned Parenthood (I'm pretty sure they are a national organization in the US), http://www.plannedparenthood.org/ or see if there is a similar place near you. You will have to get a pelvic exam before you can go on any birth control anyway, so do a little research, make a list of questions, and then take them in with you. The doctor really can give you the best advice. Good luck!
2006-12-20 01:00:39 · answer #1 · answered by Stephanie H 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure of the cost of the shot. But having gotten the shot for almost 11 years, I can tell you about the side effects. I loved being on the shot. I had no period for those 11 years, save for maybe spotting once or twice a year and that was usually either because of stress (like around the holidays) or because I was a little late in getting the shot. I had no PMS, no cramping, no mood swings, nothing. That was the best part for me as I had extreme PMS with bad cramping too. But with the shot I also had no sex drive and gained 60 pounds. Also when I decided to quit the shot, it took me about eight to nine months before my cycle became regular, so for those eight months I was pretty much spotting off and on with a regular flow now and then.
Please weight the pros and cons of this form of birth control. It does have its good side effects (no period) but also it has some pretty negative side effects (weight gain, no sex drive). Good luck!
2006-12-20 08:53:15 · answer #2 · answered by luv2ridebarebak 3 · 3⤊ 2⤋
i have recieved my second depot shot, at the beginning of this month. Basically, you have to try the shot first, because it acts differently depending on the person. I have been spotting, and I experience the cramps I usually feel when I did have my period. The shot does not make you gain weight, it increases your appetite. You just have to be strong enough to watch what you eat and excersice if you do eat more.
2006-12-20 11:01:34 · answer #3 · answered by ASHLEY B 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
When I first got my depo shots it was 60 dollars. But once my doc coded it for treating my endo then it was covered by my insurance. I seem to have a few side effects shortly after the shot, but I can live w/ them. Like you my craps are horrible. but w/ this it makes it better.
2006-12-20 15:22:25 · answer #4 · answered by gethelp9 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
im on the depo shot method
ist shot was about three months ago next shot next week
i havent had a period in 3 mon exp spotting this past week but eveything is great try it '
2006-12-20 14:53:03 · answer #5 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i was on depo for 2 years and would bleed (very little but enough to ruin my sex life) every single day for 2 months out of every 3 month cycle. if that doesn't make you reconsider the injection will cost about sixty dollars, and the crooks at the dr's office will charge you another ten - forty dollars to inject it.
2006-12-20 15:42:29 · answer #6 · answered by pandora078 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I would also not recommend Depo. After one shot, I mentally did not feel like myself.......I was very emotional and angry for no reason. I have had many friends tell me that it literally made them crazy and that is exactly how I felt. Bad thing is there is no way to get it out of you system. One shot and your that way for 3 months.
2006-12-20 09:43:24 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 3⤋
well i just got my shot today and paid out of pocket for it, the office visit was 70.00 then the script for it was 80.00 but it is well worth it, i was on it for 2 years b4.. i didn't gain weight but i excersied everday for about an hour...well worth every penny...
2006-12-22 14:42:33 · answer #8 · answered by sarah_48180 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i've heard very bad things about Depo, i wouldn't do it...i know some girls i work with that take it or have taken it and hated it..it makes you gain weight..pick something else
2006-12-20 08:38:07 · answer #9 · answered by *<3_Gizmo* 6 · 4⤊ 7⤋