Anyone else on the Depo Provera contraceptive Injection?

Hello

I was just wondering if anyone else was on the three monthly depo provera copntraceptive injection?

I was on the injection for 3 years (aged 18-21) then took a 2 year break and have been on it again for 6 months now. I know it has bad press for weight gain but I have terrible irregular periods and pain and its the only thing I can take due to my weight and the fact that I smoke.

I went on the injection to stop my periods completely, which it did do. But all of a sudden I have got a period! I'm confused- the depo stops ovulation, how could this happen? Ive been on for 6 days now and its still extremely painful.

Is this normal or should I perhaps speak to my GP?

I believe that you are supposed to still get spotting while on Depo, especially after your first few injections. Maybe your spotting is particularly heavy? Call your GP (or better yet, your OB/GYN) and see what they recommend. I'd give it a day or two before saying you should definitely go in. I'd be surprised if it was a bad reaction to it, since you were on it before.

I was on it about a year. I did great until after my 3rd shot. Then, I spotted every day until it got close to my next shot. Then, all was well. When I stopped the shot, I spotted every day again (which I understand is normal). I know this sounds weird but sex seemed to reduce the spotting. Maybe it was coincidence but it happened a couple of times....I would start spotting, get it on, spotting went away. Same thing again. I'm not spotting now and I owe it all to my man! I'm still waiting for a period though....and yes we had protected relations.

My advise: A little alone time with your man. However, if you keep on spotting, call your doctor or nurse. I understand it's completely normal but in the case that it's severe or lasts a long time, you should call.

My experience is a little dated as I was on it about 10 years ago. They very well might have changed the formula a bit since then.

I got my first injection when I was 16. Had irregualr spotting and bleeding off and on throughout the first two shots, so six months. At one point I bled for nearly 3 weeks.

I know they told me while you're body is adjusting to any type of period stopping or reducing birth control methods there is always an adjustment period and always a possibility of spotting and long periods until your body adjusts. (I'm on the seasonall now, and they went through the same speal)

I was on the depo for about 9 years and never had a period at all. (Except that first transition period)

I tried the shot about 3 years ago and my experience was somewhat less positive. I did not stop having my period for those 3 months after the shot. And not just spotting like they say, but full-on cramps, blotting, heavy period. I did not bother taking the next set of shots after that.

Also I'm sure you've heard the old rumor of "having your period less than once a month is bad for your body." Well I think  our doctors have proved that myth wrong, however I know woman take it to extreme by skipping on pills and using the shot. If you do smoke, drink, eat less than 1200 or more than 2500 calories a day your body might be struggling with all the obsticals. 

I would talk to your doctor about it, but also take into consideration the changes in your body, age and health since the last time you were on the shot and had no problems with it. 

It's normal, but if its really heavy I might talk to a professional about it. I've been on the depo off and on since I was 18 (now 24) and I have been able to lose 175 pounds while on it. It might increase your appetite, but the drug itself shouldn't cause the gain.

They DO have a low dose depo. Maybe ask for that one second time around to decrease appetite. As for it stopping your period, that doesn't always happen. I spotted on it for 3 months and then it went away, but it's not a promise it stops. I'd hang in there and wait it out. Your body will figure it out.

hey there im on it now i have been on it for over 10 years i came off my depo for a bit to have a period and couldnt remember to take my pill.. i have not had a period in years. every now and then i spot a lil but its been 6 years.  With the depo it is all about the body type.. some ppl have light spotting the entire time they are on the shot. other will never have another period..

Some women get their period and some women spot sometimes on the depo. I've been on the depo for 2 years and I've only spotted now and then. You shouldn't stay on the depo for more than 5 years because it weakens your bones. Coming off of it for awhile will allow your bones to recover (I will go back on seasonale during this time) and then you can go back on it.

Original Post by evaspencer18:

I tried the shot about 3 years ago and my experience was somewhat less positive. I did not stop having my period for those 3 months after the shot. And not just spotting like they say, but full-on cramps, blotting, heavy period. I did not bother taking the next set of shots after that.

That's breakthrough bleeding. I bled hardcore the entire first 3 months. Then never had a real period ever again after.

I think If its super painful you for sure should go to your doctor! Something could be going wrong and its best not to risk anything. I took the shot once, and I bled for about a month strait it was horrible!