contraception- depo injection which is given every 3 months?

Question

i have just had a baby 3 weeks ago and this morning had my 1st shot of depo provera. i forgot 2 ask my health visitor how long it takes 2 work with it being the 1st time can anybody tell me please.
i know they say straight away if u have it within 1st 5 days of your period but i havnt had a period yet, only just stopping bleeding from giving birth.
also has anybody gained weight by taking this.
thanks in advance 4 your answers x

Answer 1

I used Depo Provera injections for birth control when it first came out and absoutely hated it! I gained 15-20 pounds and had periods that lated 4-6 weeks long. After 3 injections I couldn't handle it any more and went back on the pill.

Everything I have read says you are protected after 24 hours but it is usally give during your first period. I would personally use a back up method (condom) for 7 days just to be safe or call a nurse from the doctors office and ask them.

Good luck!

Depo provera Link:

http://www.fwhc.org/birth-control/bcdepo.htm

Answer 2

I took depo for about a year, and yes I did gain weight - about 5 kilos over the course of the year.
I'm pretty sure from memory there is a window of about 4-6 days after taking depo to not have sex or use precautions. You should be good anyway because you ouldn't have your first period until about 8 weeks after the baby was born if you aren't breastfeeding exclusivly.

Answer 3

I had it and it sucked big time! Periods all over the place, hormonal, gained weight, no libido (hard to have sex when your bleeding 4-6wks straight anyway), just a generally bad idea for me at the time! Changed to an IUD and its fantastic. Nearly no period, lost weight, libido back, hormones on track again!
You will find you will probably get a period within the next week after taking a contraceptive after pregnancy as it kick starts your body again

Good luck, it didn't work for me and most of the people I know but it might be perfect for you.