What do you know about the birth control shot?

Question

I am thinking of going on depo-provera, the birth control shot...but am pretty hesitant about it because I have heard it causes infertility, MAJOR weight gain, and lots of other terrible side effects. However, the fact that you only have to have one once every 3 months is very appealing to me. What do you guys know about the shot. Have you experienced any of the above side effects?

Answer 1

That it is a horrible drug that should be taken off the market.

I was on it, and had horrible side affects. A majority of women on it suffer health risks on this shot.

Please PLEASE read more reviews here:
http://www.rateitall.com/t-330-birth-control-methods.aspx

and google "depo provera lawsuit"

I'm off of it now, on Kariva (pill) and a whole lot happier and healthier. I've been off of depo over 1 1/2 years and my body is still suffering from it.

The ONLY good thing is you get a shot every three months. One good thing versus horrible side affects is not a good reason to get on depo!

Answer 2

It is appealing not having a cycle and not worring about taking a pill but there are side effects for some. I haven't heard of anyone who hasn't had any. I had issues with it and stopped taking it. You aren't supposed to have a period after the second shot and I had an extremly long one after the second shot.There are risks with all types of birth control, give it a try and if it isn't for you find something that is. Also talk to your doctor, they can help lead you in the right direction of what is right for you. There are other options that might be better for you with less risk or side effects. The ring is a good one too. You have a period but don't have to take a daily pill.

Answer 3

I did gain weight after I got the shot but did not experience any other side effects. I had a friend who was on it and did have a month of emotional symptoms similar to PMS but after a while it regulated and she was fine.

Infertility is the purpose of getting the shot. So you dont get pregnant. It is also recommended to wait 18 months to get pregnant after stopping the injections (at least that is what I was told) before trying to get pregnant

Answer 4

70% of women using Depo Provera gain weight. Almost half of the women using Depo Provera gain more than 5 pounds after one year of use. Many women gain more than 10 pounds.

Irregular, heavy, or no bleeding are common side effects of Depo Provera. After a year of use, many women stop having periods. Lack of a period becomes increasingly common with longer use.

Other side effects of Depo Provera can include headaches, nervousness, mood changes, bloating, hot flashes, decreased interest in sex, breast tenderness, acne, hair loss, and back ache.

After the last shot of Depo Provera, it can take over 6 months for the drug to leave the body. Side effects may linger until the drug is completely gone.
Drug Interactions
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Few medications lower the effectiveness of Depo Provera. Women with Cushing's syndrome may take medications that interfere with Depo Provera. If you are taking any medications, tell your clinician. When taking medications that may interfere with Depo Provera, consider adding a backup method of birth control, like condoms or spermicide. As with all drugs, it is useful to inform all your medical providers if you are taking Depo Provera.
Advantages
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* Private.
* Effective after 24 hours.
* Does not require regular attention.
* Does not interrupt sex play.
* Has no estrogen.
* May decrease risk for ovarian and uterine cancers.
* Women can start Depo Provera 6 weeks after giving birth.

Disadvantages

* Causes loss of bone density and risk of osteoporosis.
* Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.
* Requires injections every 3 months.
* Delay of return to fertility.
* Irregular bleeding.
* Most women experience weight gain

Answer 5

i was on the shot for nearly a year, i did not gain any weight, in fact i think i lost some. i spotted for the first month straight then my period was basically gone. however i stoped taking the shot because it made me PSYCHO! i was an emotional wreck...mind you nothing different was going on in my life to make me crazy...within 2 weeks of not having my shot re done i was back to normal, no more tantrums and emotional outbursts. so i would say think pretty hard about your options. if you are sensitive to hormones probably dont do it.