Hi ladies,
I'm a healthy 25 year old mum of two, ages 4 and 2, and I'm happily married but we are not looking to add to our family anytime soon.
We've been happily using condoms as our main contraceptive since my eldest was born (only stopping when trying for the second child and during that pregnancy). I've found them to be wonderful in terms of cost-effectiveness, reliability, ease of use and side-effects, but I'm looking for something more permanent that I don't need to remember to use all the time.
I've tried contraceptive pills in the past (Yaz, I think), but it turned me into a hormonal monster and caused me to gain A LOT of weight. Thankfully I lost it all and I'm back to my pre-baby weight (60kg).
I'm looking at the Depo-Provera shot. It seems pretty simple, just a needle every 3 months, and you can expect to get your fertility back within 18 months of ceasing the injections. But I'm concerned about side effects, given my previous history with hormonal contraceptives. So I want to hear about it from the mums who use it. What do you like about it? What don't you like about it? Is it covered under medicare (if not, how much does it cost every time you need an injection)? Side-effects? And if I were to conceive while using the drug, could there be any severe effects on the foetus?
Thank you all!
7 Replies
What I don't like about it, is if you have a bad reaction to it you have to wait for it to wear off, you can't just stop taking it or have it taken out. Plus there are contaceptives that deliver straight to where you need it, so the chances of a reaction are much less.
Things like the nuva ring and mirena are definitely options I'd look into as the nuva ring you can remove yourself and the mirena can be removed by your GP if you have a reaction.
I found it great while on it. Coming off not so good. Took 18months just to get a period and then it was all over the place. It was covered under Medicare for me but I'm a carer so not sure if off a payment cost wise. Each person reacts differently so can't say how it will affect you. While I was on it I had no period, no weight gain and no surprise babies. Worked well. I won't use it again though as stopping it was a huge problem for me.
If you have bad side effects from hormonal contraceptives DO NOT do it. Get a removable form of contraception like the Implanon or Mirena (same hormones).
I was on Depo for a few years and with each injection I became increasingly anxious, moody and depressed. The problem was that it wasn't removable so by the time realised that the Depo was the issue I had to wait another 3 months before it wore off, which was hell.
I really didn't like how the pill reacted with my body but ive had the implanon for over 2 months and love it. I didnt like the shot because if you react badly you cant just have it taken out, and 18 months seems like a long time to return to being fertile.
I've heard a lot of people complain of weight gain with Depo. I'd go for a Mirena if I was you, as it's very low-dose (the progesterone is only released locally near uterus, not systemically throughout your body). It's also removable, so if you don't like it you're not waiting months for it to wear off. The main side effect would be the erratic bleeding pattern you may experience for the first 3-6 months after insertion, but after that many women have very light or no bleeding/period. It is very simple to insert, I got one a few weeks ago and it honestly took a total of about 5 mins, including a pap smear that was due at the same time! But I know that for some people (especially if they haven't had a vaginal birth) it may not be quite as easy. My sister had dramas getting hers inserted, but she hasn't had a period for about 2 years, so she's very happy anyway! Oh and cost-wise - the Mirena cost me $37 (I don't have a health care card or anything) and it lasts 5 years. I think that's pretty good value!!
The pill turned me mental, had the depo for 15 years no dramas but took 2 years to conceive. Back on depo post kids, but doctors appointsments were getting expensive (not always bulk billed) now have implanon its been in 3.5 years no dramas with it at all.
Please please look at another option I had it almost 18 months ago and was only on it for 2 shots (6months) the last 18 months have been horrible while it was still in my system i was hormonal I gained a lot of weight on and has taken a lot of hard work with a personal trainer to get it of. We a currently TTC a baby and I have no end of trouble. I've had to have surgery, blood test galore and now only a week ago found out I'm not ovulating so no wonder I'm not pregnant I'm now on clomid to help with this hoping it work but if it doesn't then there are only 3 options.
1. the hormonal injections
2. IVF
3. No more babies and with the way everything is down there since having the depo If I can't fall pregnant I want my doctor to perform a hysterectomy as I can no longer deal with everything that has gone wrong.
I'm just thankful I have 2 beautiful kids I just don't feel our family is complete.
all I can suggest is for you to do your research and make sure the risks are worth it. I wish i had looked into it more than I did before I got it and I would probably have a different outcome right now.