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Have you ever had the Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension, USP) Contraceptive Injection? Are you considering trying Depo-Provera for contraception?
Depo-Provera is the quarterly contraceptive injection that protects against unplanned pregnancies for up to 13 weeks. Many women who have the injection, have no periods during the entire three months. Other women continue to menstruate. Some women couldn't be happier with a contraceptive. And others experience a myriad of symptoms from irregular or heavy periods to headaches, weight gain, anxiety, and loss of libido.

Depo-Provera is one of the most discussed topics on the Women's Health Forums; there are hundreds on ongoing discussions about this highly controversial contraceptive. Here is a small sampling of those discussions. Feel free to jump in and add your thoughts, or start your own new discussion!

Are Depo Side Effects Temporary?
"I'm 27 and I just had my first Depo shot a little over a month ago. I was wondering if anyone else has had this shot and if you could share your experience on it.
Within the first couple days after I had the shot, I got nauseous and sick. I also had horrible mood swings and one evening of severe depression. Since then the nausea and mood issues have pretty much tapered off. I have been getting a lot of bad headaches, though. I'm not sure if they are Depo-related, but it seems a likely culprit. I also bled for about a month straight. Now it had stopped.

For the past couple days, I have had some small mood swings and have been feeling off. This would have been my normal time for my period. The reason I'm posting is because I'm wondering if the effects I'm feeling are temporary. Will they eventually go away as my body adjusts to the shot? Will they get worse every time I have the shot every three months? If any of you have taken Depo-Provera, I would really appreciate your input and any advice you may have. I started taking the shot because I had a lot of problems with the Pill a few years ago and also because I have very painful periods (bad enough that I used to miss work about one day a month)." - BEYONDMATRIX

Depo For Heavy Bleeding
"I have been having heavy bleeding for almost 2 weeks now. I didn't have period for 2 1/2 months before that. I'm almost 48 and I think I am pre menopausal. My doctor wants me to come tomorrow for the shot of Depo Provera. I'm worried and not sure to get it. Anyone having this problem and what did they do?" - ANGELJK2
Going Back On The Pill
"I was on Depo for about six months (got 2 shots). My last shot was scheduled for Jan 17, but I decided to not get it. My (my boyfriends) main problem with it was the libido loss. Hey! It really is good birth control! The first month I lightly bled for about 3 weeks, and the rest of the time I rarely wanted to have sex anyways. I did gain a little weight, and was a bit more emotional than usual (depressed). But, I really would have liked to stay on it. I LOVED not having my period. I did not get it after the first OR second shot. ANYWAYS... I was wondering if there's anything wrong with going back on the pill about a week after my last shot was scheduled?
I did do that, because I had a couple packs of Ortho Tricyclen left. I finished my first pack last Saturday, and just started my period yesterday. But today I started my 3rd pack a couple days early. I had hoped I wouldn't get my period again for a while, but oh well.

So does anyone know if its ok to go back on the pill right after not getting your depo shot? I know I should see my doctor..." - ARGONSOLEIL

Depo's Effect On Pregnancy
"I got the shot on December 15th 2000. I waited a week before having intercourse and three months later I am now pregnant. My last period was in November of 2000 and my doctor told me that it was an instant type thing... After never getting my period for two months and some how I knew was not going to get it for the third time now... called up my doctor who told me that there was no need to make an appt. and that it was normal. I told her that I wanted a pregnancy test anyways and it came out positive. I think I am about 14 weeks pregnant... Now my main worry is what this can do to my unborn baby.... I would like to know if anyone else has become pregnant while using this and what has happened to your child or what your doctor told you..." - TIMMIESGIRL

Depo Provera The Pros and Cons
"Is anyone out there using Depo Provera? Have you noticed any side effects? If so, what were they? If your doctor did not want to prescribe this for you what was his/her reasons? I am just trying to find out more first hand experiences on this method of birth control. The main reason for using it is that it is estrogen free which could be a factor for breast cancer. (I am high risk)." -JULIE1967
How Long Do I Have To Wait To Get Pregnant?
"About three months ago I got the shot and I started bleeding the first time it was for 18 days and this time it has been 37 days. I want to get pregnant but am unsure of any side effects it may have on the baby. Also does anyone know how long I will have to wait to get pregnant?" - LELANDRA
Depo Craziness
"Has anyone become really moody & emotional from the depo? I had my 3rd shot in 11/00. Everything was fine up until that December. (12/00) I was driving home from work and suddenly I felt really angry. Funny thing, there was no reason for me to even be mad. From then on, I have gotten so emotional. If you say the wrong thing, I fly off the handle. My relationship has gotten so rocky because of my mood swings. One minute, I'm happy as can be, and the next, I'm like a mad woman. (Lately, I've been more sad than anything.) Is there any vitamins or ANYTHING I can do to get these emotions under control? (I would like to find a way to still take the depo shot.) I haven't gained any weight or any of those other bad side effects: just the moodiness..." - LRUCINSKI
Prometrium After Depo?
"I am 39... took Depo-provera for birth control for 6 years. Stopped in February of 200. I have not had any cycles since. After seeing several doctors I found one who did tests for tsh, lh, fsh, estradiol, testosterone and prolactin. Except testosterone being low they came back normal (the last doctor I saw told me I was postmeopausal). She said I am not ovulating and should use Prometrium for 13 days to try to get cycles to restart. Has anyone used this before and if so how did it work for you. I like this doctor and think I will be able to work with her toward getting back to "normal" but wondered how effective others have found this." - NODEPODEB

13 years ago. Rating: 1
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