Who's been on it? What did you think? What did you experience?
I had my annual appt today, and at my PP appt last year we talked about when I was done BFing, that we'd figure out my plan for BC. I can't take the combo pill, only the mini pill (which is what I'm on now) for medical reasons, but that's just too scary for me to be on long term while NOT BFing... We don't want any permanent solution just yet -- maybe down the road. I've considered and IUD, but again, not knowing 100% what we're doing kids-wise, I don't want to have it put in only to decide two years down the road we really do want 3 kids and have to take it out when essentially I've paid for those 5-7 years up front. So, it seems like Depo may be a viable alternative. Having never been on anything other than BCPs, I'd like thoughts and experiences!
TIA, ladies!
Re: Talk to me about Depo...
Planning Bio/Blog
I was on it and hated it. TMI but I bled for six mos straight (not heavy not spotting). It was the worst thing for me ever.
My sister was on it and didnt mind it. She would occasionally spot but thats it.
I was on it aboooout 3 years ago (ish?). I got it twice, and I never got it again. It made me very emotional (depressed even), my cycle was sooo messed up, I bled for months on end (not heavy, but still). It was just awful.
I got my IUD almost 2 years ago, and I love it! My insurance at the time made it so I had to pay $75 every time I got the depo shot, so I just waited until I had met my deductible for the year before I got my IUD, and I only paid a couple hundred dollars for my co-pay. So really I ended up saving money in the long run by getting it. I have no emotional issues with my IUD, I hardly ever bleed (my cycle is almost non-existant now), I don't have any physical side effects. It definitely worked for me.
Happily Married Since 11.29.02
Brayden Kenneth born 3.27.06
Blaire Kay born 7.10.10
I gained 40 lbs. on it, went off it, and then the weight flew off. Other than that, I loved it!
I got Mirena at 8 weeks post partum, and I have been really happy with it. I met my deductible with the birth, so I think I paid very little. I have had it for about a year now and other than initial spotting, I forget it is there. According to my doctor, when I am ready to get pregnant, it will take me about the same amount of time as if I were using the pill, which sounds good to me. While it can take a year to get pregnant off of Depo, there are plenty, and I mean plenty, of women who were a day late getting their shot and got pregnant. Food for thought.
I'd check with your insurance on Depo vs an IUD. I think the IUD might be way cheaper in the long run.
I only have experience with the IUD and I think it's fabulous. Yes there was some spotting at the beginning, but now it's all awesome. For me, I'd rather take a pill than have to show up at a dr's office every few months to get a shot. I suck at appointments. But that's just me
ps. I saw your pics of B's first day at school and realized we're practically neighbors. I run down your street most mornings
I'm across Blondo to the south.
thanks to jennied
I was on Depo for about four years, and loved it. Never got a period, and like mattandelisha, stopped getting it because I cannot drink milk. I didn't gain any weight, but I did completely lose my sex drive. After my last shot, it took about a full year before I had another period.
I was on depo for several years, and initially loved it. My husband would say though, at the end of each 3 month segment, when it was time to get the shot again, it was like I had all the 3 months worth of pms at once. I didn't think it was that bad, but obviously, he had to live with me. I loved not having a period - didn't from the first shot - BUT - had 2 miscarriages while coming off of it, which was a significant downer. I also put on weight while on it, and the doc said calcium absorption was a problem with prolonged use - bone density was affected.
I switched to nuva ring and aside from the squick factor, it worked great.