Birth control?

Question

I am asking this since I was asked and didn't know what to say. My sis in law is in the military and is sexually active. She was wondering what people thought of the depo shot. I have nothing good to say of it. Any of you ladies? Also... what other options are there for her if she wont take the pill (says she forgets and is in NO position to be getting pregnant) and doesnt want an IUD. I told her condoms. Any others I dont know about? Thanks in advance!

This is not a question for me... As I am 35 weeks with #4.. and getting a tubal!!! lol

Also.. she keeps getting in trouble for being overweight. I told her the depo made me gain weight (she cant do PT due to injuries) and that maybe NOT having sex would be best. She laughed at me. lol

Answer 1

If she doesn't want to take the pill because she forgets....There is always the patch that worked for me you only have to put that on once a week. Or there is Norplant. It is a insert kind of like the IUD except they put it in your arm and it works for up 5 years. There are alot of other form of birth control you can always check out planned parent hood website they should be able to help her. I hope that this helps. Good luck with you and the baby and good luck with her not getting a baby.....

Answer 2

Depo worked great for BC and my migraines (they went away), BUT I gained 5 lbs every 3 months and I was walking, watching what I was eating and doing aerobics 2-3 times a week. Until I read more I thought it was me!

If she does not want Depo another option is Norpant - small plastic rods are surgically inserted under the skin and are good from 2-6 years or until they are removed. These are not currently marketed in the US but some doctors still have them or can get them

OR a Diaphragm, Cervical Cap, Male Latex Condom, Female Condom or Withdrawal.

Here is a site with the percentages on what works and this site has additional links. Good luck to her!
http://www.storknet.com/cubbies/birthcontrol/methods.htm#10

Answer 3

I'm not a fan of the depo shot. If you look at the fine print, you have a chance of gaining weight every year that you are on it. I was on Norplant, which is about the same thing, but it was implanted under my arm and was supposed to release hormones for five years. The first year was okay, but the second year, I swelled up pretty bad. I almost didn't recognize myself. I should've listened to the doctor and tried Depo first. I would recommend the patch if she is worrying about taking a pill. The patch stays on for a week and she can put it anywhere on her body. There's always the diaphragm, which has to be inserted before sex. Oh, there's also spermicide, which can be found at the local pharmacy. You have to insert it before sex. (not very sexy, but effective!)

Answer 4

I used Depo Prevera (the shot) for about 3 years. It took about 8 months for it to wear off. So it is extremely effective. However it really screws up your cycles. While I was on the shot I never had a period... when I stopped taking it my periods would last for sometimes a whole month. After I stopped taking depo it took about 4 months for my cycles to get back on track. I've heard that some women have gained weight from using the shot, but I never had problem with that. Really, the messed up periods were my only complaint.

Answer 5

I was on depo for about 6 months. I didn't like it. I was always spotting. I much prefer the pill. I would think that being in the military she would be very disciplined and remembering to take the pill wouldn't be a problem. If she doesn't want the pill I would go with the IUD.

Answer 6

I've had several friends on Depo they all hated it because it made them gain significant amounts of weight. As for alternatives...what about something like the Nuva Ring where you only have to think about it once a month. The othero evra patch is good too from what I hear but being in the military it may be hard for her to keep on if she is getting sweaty during drills or anything like that.

Answer 7

i have the shot but i hate it it makes me have my period for a very long time which means not much sex. (disapointing) it can lasts for weeeks or days i ahted the pill also i didnt like it b/c it has to be at a specific time every day which ill forget and the patch i dont like b/c its visible at times and then the iud i was told is not good so im stuck on the depo since its not visible and its only every 3 months

Answer 8

I was on Depo years ago and it actually made me gain weight real bad. But I know of some girls who swear by it and wouldnt do anything else. I do know it was originally designed for the military girls since they were in the field so much and you can't necessarily say "oh excuse me corporal, I need to change my pad". I would suggest it to someone in her line of work. She is active, physically so they may help if she does have any weight gain issues with it.

Answer 9

I've heard only bad things about the shot. People have never-ending periods sometimes. It makes some people gain weight. It's bad for your bones and you shouldn't be on it an extended period of time (I think more than 2 years).

There's the patch, but I've heard too many bad things about that too. It falls off, people have complications from too much of the hormones being in their system.

Answer 10

I was refused for the Depo Vera shot for weighing over 150 lbs....condoms condoms condoms!!!