Depo Provera = The Devil?

preciousjeni · #1 07-23-2006, 06:58 PM

Warning fellas! This is some woman stuff.

I've been trying to figure out some sort of BC to be on for my upcoming marriage. After a lengthy discussion with my gynecologist, I decided on Depo. I knew of the major complications (weight gain and spotting/breakthrough bleeding).

I read through other threads here about BC and it seems that some of y'all have had great experiences on Depo. I, unfortunately, am one of the many to have spotting that led to the less common breakthrough bleeding. The difference, it seems, is that spotting is barely any color that doesn't leak outside the "area" whereas breakthrough bleeding is basically a light to medium period. So, for the last two months, I've essentially had a steady period. I want to kill someone.

I saw the gynecologist last week and told him that, in my reading, I've come to understand that the extra progesterone without any extra estrogen to even it out makes it difficult for the uterus to keep itself from bleeding (but then again, the lack of estrogen is what makes Depo a great choice if you want to reduce your risk of cancer).

So, I asked if the pill (Ortho-Tricyclen Lo) would do anything to straighten me out. He said that it would likely put me back on track but I will have trouble getting pregnant for a while because of the Depo, which is not so much an issue right now. But, I can't start the pill until my next Depo shot would have been.

I have a little while yet to go before I would start the pill. Does ANYone have any experience in this area - going from Depo to Ortho-T (or other pill) to stop breakthrough bleeding?

By the way, I read a number of studies that said the risk of bleeding was greatly decreased in overweight women. Well, I guess that doesn't include me!! LOL!

Drolefille · #2 07-24-2006, 09:19 AM

I know this is slightly off your topic, but have you looked into the new implant, the one that goes in your arm? It's supposed to be newly approved in the US, but has been used for a while in Europe and is also supposed to have fewer side effects than Norplant.

And other women peeking in here, if have any experience etc. let me know...

AlphaFrog · #3 07-24-2006, 09:28 AM

If you're not good a remembering to take pills (I'm not) then I would suggest looking into the implant that Drolefille mentioned. If you miss BC pills, it can make it worse then not taking them at all. Or, there's also the patch, and the ring.

Unfortunately, the only thing I've looked into lately is Mirena, which is a new IUD, but doesn't help you any, because it requires that you've already had a pregnancy (not sure why, but it does). After your first child, it's a great option because it's good for 5 years w/o maintenance, and has a low chance for causing cancer...just something to think about in the future.

Im_just_me · #4 07-24-2006, 11:06 AM

I had the Depo shot for a while and I had to hurry up and switch to something else. The shot was making my hair fall out in clumps. Not just a few strands, but, huge clumps.

I'm now on the patch. It works so well for me. Just put it on and you are good to go for the rest of the week. I haven't had any breakthrough bleeding. When I do get my period in my patch free week, I know exactly what day it will start in and exactly how long it will last. That works out great for me because I can plans whatever activities I have around it for those 4 days.

As with any medication there are sides effects...and my side effect just so happens to be my boobs got bigger. While that isn't so bad compared to the other sides effects, it is a little expensive because I had to get all new bras. So for me it was either let my hair fall out or have bigger boobs. You just have to find out what works best for you and your body and which side effects you're willing to live with.

Glitter650 · #5 07-24-2006, 12:44 PM

I know my friend switched from the shot and went to pills and it worked out well for her. I would recomment the patch too, it's a marvelous thing.

BetteDavisEyes · #6 07-24-2006, 02:26 PM

I feel your pain. I was one of the few that had the damn breakthrough bleeding. I switched from the Depo to Ortho but rather than switch right away, I waited 2 months before starting the pill so we basically had to rely on condoms during that time. I felt really crappy which is why I opted to take the time to get some of those chemicals out of my system (even though my doctor told me it wouldn't make a difference) but I am glad I took that extra time.
It's all a matter of preference really.

preciousjeni · #7 07-24-2006, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

If you're not good a remembering to take pills (I'm not) then I would suggest looking into the implant that Drolefille mentioned. If you miss BC pills, it can make it worse then not taking them at all. Or, there's also the patch, and the ring.

Unfortunately, the only thing I've looked into lately is Mirena, which is a new IUD, but doesn't help you any, because it requires that you've already had a pregnancy (not sure why, but it does). After your first child, it's a great option because it's good for 5 years w/o maintenance, and has a low chance for causing cancer...just something to think about in the future.

Does it require just pregnancy or actually giving birth?

kstar · #8 07-25-2006, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

Unfortunately, the only thing I've looked into lately is Mirena, which is a new IUD, but doesn't help you any, because it requires that you've already had a pregnancy (not sure why, but it does). After your first child, it's a great option because it's good for 5 years w/o maintenance, and has a low chance for causing cancer...just something to think about in the future.

This isn't true. You don't have to have a previous pregnancy. Some gyns will say that because it is hard to place any IUD in a woman that hasn't had a child. (The uterus is smaller and the cervix tighter, so it will try to expell the IUD.)

preciousjeni · #9 07-25-2006, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kstar

This isn't true. You don't have to have a previous pregnancy. Some gyns will say that because it is hard to place any IUD in a woman that hasn't had a child. (The uterus is smaller and the cervix tighter, so it will try to expell the IUD.)

Do they artificially dilate the cervix? YOWZA!

AlphaFrog · #10 07-25-2006, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kstar

This isn't true. You don't have to have a previous pregnancy. Some gyns will say that because it is hard to place any IUD in a woman that hasn't had a child. (The uterus is smaller and the cervix tighter, so it will try to expell the IUD.)

Maybe it's for that reason, but I believe the pamphlet that my Dr. gave me on it said that you had to have a previous pregnancy. Maybe it's just (more effective? safe? less likely to be rejected?) easier in women who have had a previous pregnancy. Although with mirena, it's soft plastic and smaller then a quarter, so I can't imagine it being THAT hard to insert.

Just going by what my OB/GYN told me.

kstar · #11 07-25-2006, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

Maybe it's for that reason, but I believe the pamphlet that my Dr. gave me on it said that you had to have a previous pregnancy. Maybe it's just (more effective? safe? less likely to be rejected?) easier in women who have had a previous pregnancy. Although with mirena, it's soft plastic and smaller then a quarter, so I can't imagine it being THAT hard to insert.

Just going by what my OB/GYN told me.

I'm also just going by what my gyn told me. He's placed IUDs in a lot of my friends (both copper, hormonal, and Mirena.)

I wouldn't doubt that it is easier to place in previously pregnant women, and there is some instances of scarring that could render you sterile, so maybe they only recommend it for people who are done having children. Though, the scarring rendering me sterile was something that attracted me to IUDs. (I have no qualms about not wanting kids ever.)