depo birth control shot?

Question

I've never been on birth control before and I have just had my first child about a week and three days ago. My Dr. suggested that I get the depo shot because i don't think i can remember to take a pill every day at the same time for the rest of my life. But I have heard a lot of stories about depo.

1. can you still get pregnant while on depo? I've heard of people having unprotected sex because they didn't think they could get pregnant, but ended up getting pregnant anyways. My fiance and I don't use condoms because of several personal reasons and if I'm going to get pregnant again from depo...is there any kind of birth control that won't get me pregnant other than tying my tubes??
2. does it take effect immediately or does it take a couple days or weeks?
3. do you have periods? I've heard some people have spotting, some have a normal period, some have irregular, and some don't have anything at all...does it depend on the woman??

Answer 1

I was on the depo shot for three years and had no problems with it. I did not have my periods which was a blessing, i did not gain weight and i did not get pregnant while on the shot. The shot works as soon as they give it to you. I don't know anyone who has gotten pregnant while on the shot. After i stopped taking it i became pregnant in 11 months.


Depo Provera
What is it?

Depo-Provera is an injection (a shot) that protects against pregnancy for three months.

How does it work?

The injection contains a synthetic hormone called progestin. This chemical is similar to the natural hormone progesterone that is produced by the ovaries during the second half of the menstrual cycle. Progestin prevents pregnancy by:
Changing the lining of the uterus making it less likely for implantation (or less likely for pregnancy to occur).
Thickening cervical mucus making it harder for sperm to enter the uterus. Stopping the eggs from being released from the ovaries.
How is it given?

Depo-Provera is injected into the muscle of your buttock. The injection will prevent pregnancy for three months and the birth control effects begin as soon as you have your first shot. The injection should be repeated every three months (12 weeks) as long as birth control protection is wanted. If an injection is late or missed, pregnancy can occur.

How effective is Depo-Provera ?

Depo-Provera is highly effective. It works as well as sterilization or Norplant (with less than one pregnancy per 100 users, 99.7% effective). It is more effective than the birth control pill because it is not dependent upon correct daily usage. (Some women get pregnant taking birth control pills if they take pills incorrectly or miss pills.)

"What are the side effects?"

The most common side effect is a change in the menstrual cycle especially during the first 6 months of using Depo-Provera. Bleeding may be heavier than usual, spotting between periods may occur or women may have no periods.

After about one year most women will stop having periods. The lack of periods does not mean that you are pregnant if you have received injections regularly every three months (12 weeks).

Depo-Provera is not a good choice if you want to be pregnant in the next year or two. Why? Because it typically takes 9 to 10 months to become pregnant after you stop taking Depo-Provera as a contraceptive. It could even take up to 24 months after discontinuing use of Depo-Provera for you to become pregnant. The length of time you use Depo-Provera has no effect on how long it takes you to become pregnant. If you do not wish to become pregnant after stopping Depo-Provera, then you should start another form of birth control immediately.

Other side effects reported less often than changes in menstrual cycle include:
weight gain
headache
nervousness
stomach pain or cramps
dizziness
weakness or fatigue
decreased sex drive
Most of the side effects listed decrease over time when using Depo-Provera . But because Depo-Provera is long lasting, any side effects are likely to continue over a period of time, until the progestin hormone has worn off. It is important to discuss any side effects experienced with this method or any other method with a health care provider.

Depo-Provera does not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Use latex condoms for increased protection against the transmission of STDs including HIV. Depo-Provera may reduce the risk of PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) if chlamydia or gonorrhea is contracted.

Who can use Depo-Provera ?

Depo-Provera may be used by most women who want a method that is highly effective and long lasting. Depo-Provera is also a good choice for a woman who does not want to take a pill every day or use a method right before sex. Depo-Provera has been succesful for women who can't use or don't want to use other birth control methods.

Depo-Provera should not be used if:
You think you might be pregnant.
You have any vaginal bleeding without a known reason.
You have had cancer of the breast or reproductive organs.
You have had a stroke.
You have or had blood clots (phlebitis) in your legs.
You have problems with your liver or liver disease.
You are allergic to Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate or any of its other ingredients).
What is the Health Center procedure for Depo injections?

First Injection: an appointment is made with one of the practitioners to review your history, discuss the Depo-Provera method and do an annual exam including a Pap smear, pelvic and breast exam, (unless youve had one within the past 9 months). You will then receive your first injection.

Follow up Injections: make an appointment with your practitioner 10-12 weeks after your first injection. Your weight and blood pressure will be taken and response to the contraceptive will be reviewed. You will then be given your injection.

http://www.indiana.edu/~health/hw/depoprovera.shtml

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Birth Control Shot Effectiveness

Answer 4

I was on depo for 6 months and after i have my baby i won't be going back on it. I still had bleeding when it was time for my period. The last month i was on it i had my period for about a month if not longer. I then got a uti as a result of this. My hair started to fall out. Since stopping depo i have heard a lot of people have a bad experiece with depo.

Answer 5

Giving birth to a new life is indeed a blessing which almost every woman would wish to have. How to get pregnant naturally https://tr.im/oQ9pF
Enjoying the feeling of motherhood and raising a family would surely be a couple’s dream. Some get it naturally, while for some others things don’t seem to work as they desire. These reasons which stop a women from conceiving can be due to either physical reasons or truly physiological.

Answer 6

i have been using depo for some time. just like all birth control it does take time to take effect. and is not 100% effective. you have to make sure that you go in to get your shot on time. i think its great i only have a period once every three months! also it is alot lighter than a normal period.but the down fall is you don't know when its going to happen.
every person reacts diffrently. you can always try it and change your mind and stop taking it.

Answer 7

I WAS ON IT TOOK IT ON TIME BLEED LIKE CRAZY, GOT PREGNANT ON IT AND GAINED WEIGHT. I GUESS IT IS WHO YOU TALK TO!

Answer 8

i was on depo for 5 years. i never had a problem with pregnancy scares. i did still have a period though. they were a lot lighter. but i still had them. the down fall of depo is that it is very difficult to get pregnant once u have been on it. it could take up to 18 months to start ovulating again. i went off a year ago because i wanted to get pregnant and i have still yet to ovulate. it is definetly a good method if u dont want to get pregnant. u dont have to remember to take them. and usually ur doctors office will send u out a little reminder to come in for ur shot. hope u find the method that works well for u. oh yeah and congrats on the new baby!!!

Answer 9

BAD, BAD, BAD Depo KILLS your sex drive. You will have no desire to have any kind of sex whatsoever. Birth Control Pills are much better. Ortho tri-cyclen lo is very good

Answer 10

The Depo shot is very effective. I do know a girl who gor pregnant while taking it, but she also got pregnant with the pill- and she claims she never missed a day! There is nothing that is 100%- even tubal ligation!

They told me to wait a certain period of time before having unprotected sex when I first got on, but if you just had the baby one week ago you should be just fine (especially if you are breastfeeding.)

I never had my period once while on the depo- if I had spotting it meant I missed my shot and better get in fast! It totally depends on the woman and how her body reacts to the hormones.

Answer 11

ask your dr about the nuva ring...i use it and havent gotten pregnant while using Facts about the Ring (Nuva Ring)

The Ring is placed in the vagina where it releases synthetic female hormones, estrogen and progestin. Thes hormones are absorbed through the vagina into your blood system which changes your body's normal hormonal balance so that no egg is released from the ovaries and the woman cannot become pregnant.


INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
The Ring should be started on Day 1-5 of the menstrual cycle or the 1st-5th day after your period starts.
Use your fingers to press the sides of the ring together and gently push it into your vagina. Push the Ring up high in the vagina.
The Ring is left in place in the vagina for 3 weeks. Do not remove the Ring for intercourse.
After 3 weeks, remove the vaginal ring for 7 days. During this break, you will experience withdrawal bleeding, your period.
Remove by hooking the rim of the Ring with your finger and pulling out.
Place the used Ring in the foil pouch or a plastic bag and discard. Do not flush the Ring down the toilet.
After the 7 day break, insert a new Ring to begin the cycle again. Insert the new Ring on the same day of the week you inserted the previous Ring, even if you have not finished your period.
Unused Rings should be stored at room temperatur and out of direct sunlight.


WHAT TO DO IF THE RING FALLS OUT
Wash the Ring with lukewarm or cool water and put the Ring back in as soon as possible.
You could become pregnant if the Ring is out of your vagina for more than 3 hours, you may need Emergency Contraception.
Use back-up contraception for 7 days if the Ring is out of your vagina for more than 3 hours.


WHAT TO DO IF YOU THE RING IN LONGER THAN 3 WEEKS
Up to 4 weeks:
Remove the Ring.
Take a Ring-free week.
Insert a new Ring after the Ring-free week.


More than 4 weeks:
Remove the Ring.
Take a Ring-free week. If you have a normal menses, insert a new Ring after the Ring-free week. You must use a back-up contraceptive for 7 days.
If you do not have a normal menses, you may be pregnant and will need a pregnancy test BEFORE you restart the Ring.


WHAT TO DO IF THE RING-FREE WEEK HAS BEEN LONGER THAN ONE WEEK:
It is possible that you could become pregnant. If you have not had a normal menses you will need a pregnancy test.
Use a back-up contraceptive until you have determined if you are pregnant.
Restart with a new Ring once determined not pregnant.


POSSIBLE PROBLEMS:
Call the health department, your physician or seek emergency care if you have any of the following symptoms:
A - Severe Arm or leg pain, or unusual swelling
C - Severe or crushing Chest pain, shortness of breath or coughing up blood
H - Severe, sudden Headache or increase in frequency of severe headaches
E - Sudden loss of vision or blurred vision (Eyes)
S - Severe Stomach pain
If you are having regular periods and miss your period, call the health department, you may be pregnant.


REFILLS:
Remember to call the health department when you open your last Ring to make an appointment for more supplies or for your annual exam. Only you can pick up your Ring, do not send a friend or relative. We have NO WALK-INS for refills.


BACK-UP CONTRACEPTION and STD PROTECTION:
The Ring gives NO PROTECTION to STD's. Use condoms for protection.
Mistakes happen. It is important to remember that Emergency Contraception Pills can reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy. They work best when started as soon as possible, within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. Discuss this with clinic staff for more information.

More information about the Nuva Ring can be obtained from your local health department.