My "Depo" Experience
Written: Apr 24 '00 (Updated Apr 25 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: No periods!!
Cons: Weight Gain!
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| JulieinID's Full Review: Birth Control |
After the birth of my son, I could have sworn I lost part of my brain in the delivery room. I now know that I was just sleep deprived and adjusting to my new role of being a mom.
Anyway, I had a terrible problem remembering to take my birth control pills every night. So, when I heard about Depo-Provera I thought it would be a good choice for me.
Depo-Provera is an injectable birth control that you must get from your dr. every 12 weeks. It is a great alternative to the pill, and if you don't have side effects from the pill Depo would probably be safe for you also.
I went to my dr. and got my first injection. At first I was so scared because I really don't like shots. But, my shot was given to me in my hip and I really just felt a small prick. 12 weeks later when I was due for my next shot I had some slight spotting and that was it. Yes, I did not have my period for 12 weeks! That was great!!!
My second shot of depo was just ok. I was sad to see that I had gained 8 lbs. since my first shot 12 weeks prior. The nurse explained a slight weight gain was a common side effect, and gave me my shot. This time she did the shot in my arm! If you decide on this method of birth control, don't get the shot in your arm. The shot hurt and my arm was sore and uncomfortable for a week.
My third shot of depo. Again, no period or spotting for 12 weeks. But, I had gained another 8 lbs. Now, the nurse tells me that it is not from the depo. So, why was I gaining weight I had never had a weight problem before. I still don't have an answer to this, and I firmly believe that some women will gain more weight than they would like on depo. I got this shot in the hip again and had no painful side effects.
My fourth and final shot of depo. Again an 8 lb. weight gain. I was on the depo for one year and gained a total of 25 lbs. I loved that it was such a good form of birth control. I loved that all I had to remember was go in and get a shot every 12 weeks. But, I just could not live with that weight gain. Since, I quit after a year I can't say if the weight gain would have tapered off or not.
I quit taking the depo and went back on the pill. I was able to lose 10 lbs. in the 9 months before I got pregnant with my daughter. I was on the pill for 7 months after depo, but I had no problem with conceiving my daughter just 2 months later.
I would recommend the depo-provera injection. The only negative side effect I had was the weight gain. If you are comfortable gaining a few pounds, and don't want to have to remember to take a pill everyday, this is probably the birth control choice for you.
There are lots of choices out there these days. Do your research and find a method that works great for you!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
JulieinID
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Location: Idaho
Reviews written: 118
Trusted by: 97 members
About Me:
SAHM to 3 beautiful children ages 5, 1, and 2 months.
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