the birth control shot!?

Question

ok so im on the birth control pill ortho try-cyclen.
and i want to switch to the shot known as the DMPA shot .
Depo-Provera.
has anyone ever been on this shot?
does it reallly make you gain weight? because im on the pill and its making me gain weight.
and also i heard that the shot makes you sick?
i dont want to get it then get sick and be stuck with it for 3 months,
if anyone has ever been on the shot and knows about it please let me know :]

thanks<3

Answer 1

I've been on Depo Provera for one of the three month cycles--about to go in and get the next shot.
I have far fewer side effects than my doctor warned me about.
I have experienced...


--spotting in place of real periods for two weeks at a time, two weeks apart (Which can get a little annoying, but worth it to not have to worry about taking a pill every day)

--a little bit of over-tiredness for the first few weeks (but that could have been unrelated to the Depo--I was only two months post-partum at the time)

--possibly a small decrease in libido--but again, that could have more to do with recent childbirth than the shot.

I've actually LOST weight since I've been on it, and no, it wasn't just still losing pregnancy weight. I was already at my pre-pregnancy weight 3 weeks after delivery.

So, basically, I'd give it a 4 stars out of 5--as the spotting can get irritating, especially because you may want to go swimming, wear something without underwear, wear something requiring very discreet underwear--or just be sexy with your partner--and I've discovered it's difficult to be sexy when you feel like you are wearing a small diaper...lol.

My doctor said that, as with most types of birth control, it doesn't actually make you gain weight, it just increases your appetite--adn then if y ou don't watch what you eat, you will gain weight.

Anyways, I'm sure it's all different for different people, but I would recommend it.

Answer 2

I am 21, and have been on the shot for 4 years. I haven't gained a single pound in the past four years, but I also stay fairly active and eat well.

There was spotting initially, for several months, but after that I never had another period again. 3 years and 8ish months without a period - it's absolutely wonderful!!!

No mood swings, did not make me sick, etc.

It has given me GREAT piece of mind that I'm not forgetting to take a pill once a day.

Two of my friends and my sister are also on depo - all have had the same positive results as me, and each of them switched from the pill to depo (Disclosure: I have never been on the pill.)

As with any medication, your body will react differently according to your genes, and according to lifestyle. When you eat well and exercise, you ward off SO many of the negative side effects that some people report when getting on any kind of birth control.

All of that being said, I am going to get a bone density scan next month on recommendation by my doctor, just to make sure there haven't been any bad internal effects.

Answer 3

I used the shot for 4 years without ANY adverse side effects. However, just like any chemical that alters your own body chemistry anything is possible.

You can try the shot and if its not for you, just don't get the next one and switch pills or methods.

However, I'm betting that you will probably like the shot better than the pill (most women stop having periods!). Even if I had gained 15 lbs with the shot I would have been ok with that...I got only one period about every 15 months or so! No acne, no mood swings, cravings, bloating, cramps, etc, etc, etc!

Answer 4

My sister is on the depo shot and she tells me it is fine. She doesn't get sick and she hasnt gained weight. That is just her situation though. Many people gain weight on the shot There are side effects of the shot and you may or may not have them just like the pill. here is a really good link about the shot. Hope it helps

Answer 5

3 people i know gained 20 lbs on the shot

Answer 6

I was on depo for four years and am so glad I am OFF that thing!

I had weight gain, moodiness, spotting at weird times, the works.

After five years you need a bone density check as it royally messes with your bone health.

I am on Kariva (pill) now and love it.

http://www.rateitall.com/t-330-birth-control-methods.aspx

Answer 7

I had a friend who had allll the bad symptoms of this shot. She was on it for 5 years and never knew what was making her so sick....Dont do it. Everyone I know says NO.

Answer 8

I think any BC you go on is going to make you gain weight.

My GF went on the shot and she got her period for three months straight, but different stuff will react differently to different people.