There’s a lot to pick from when it comes to birth control. Unfortunately, I chose Depo-Provera, a shot that last up to 3 months and is up to 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. Sounds like a plus but the side effects were awful. The same reasons I chose to get this shot was why I ended up not liking it. Months after I got my first shot I went back into my doctor’s asking for something else.
I’ve been off the Depo shot more than three months, but my period has come back quickly which was what I was hoping. My doctor said one of the reasons women like the Depo shot so much is because their periods go away. After three months of not having any period at all, it didn’t feel as awesome as the doctor promised it would. My period has always come in regular, and I was afraid I wouldn’t get it back if I continued getting the Depo shots. I read countless stories online from women who said after the shot their period was irregular or came in bleeding full force.
The one plus about not getting my period was no painful cramps! However, I found if I regularly exercise through the month I don’t get painful cramps. Is there a proven theory out there for that?
Probably the worst thing that came out of getting this shot was that I have a deep indent in my leg from where the doctor injected me. I don’t think this is a common side effect because I haven’t read about it too much. What seems like a hole in my leg makes me go Come on, man! Seriously. I hope it will go away on but I’ve been trying body wraps to see if I can speed up the process.
One of the most important things that pushed me to switch my birth control method was how the long-term use of the shot affects bone density. I want my bones strong, but I would be doing it a disservice if I continued to use this method. The doctor made it seem like losing bone mineral density wasn’t that big of an issue, but I wish she informed on how this could lead to osteoporosis.
When I got the shot, I could have been more informed on all its possible side effects. It’s a lesson learned, and I moved on. There are plenty of birth control options out there, and it’s your choice to make an informed decision.