THE SHOT!!!, 18+ please Options

[acenova]

Sorry if this is deemed innappropriate! I was curious if anyone knows much about the shot! The only supposed (99.99%) full proof contraceptive technique for women where they can't get pregnant. Whats the word on this? What do you guys think?! Is it for real?! Does it work?!

[Galcobar]

Actually, Vioxx got recalled because it was potentially harmful. It did not give everybody who used it a stroke or heart attack. Many people used it and similar painkillers with no negative side effects. The problem was actually that there was an increased RISK of heart attack or stroke if you used Vioxx or other cox-2 inhibitors. That risk of harm was the reason for it being pulled.

Actually, I can't find direct evidence or testing that indicates an established long-term risk of infertility after using Depo Provera. The expectation is that there will be difficulty for 12-18 months after discontinuing the shot.

As for side effects that have been established:

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS AND RISKS OF USING DEPO-PROVERA®?
Depo-Provera®, like all other medications, has many potential side effects.  Each woman's response to the medication will differ, depending on her own body chemistry.  It is impossible to predict who will or will not experience a certain effect.  It is important to remember that once the medication is injected, side effects cannot be neutralized or reversed. Side effects include:

Bone Density - Women who use Depo-Provera® may lose significant bone mineral density. Bone loss is greater with increasing duration of use and may not be completely reversible. It is unknown if use of Depo-Provera® during adolescence or early adulthood, a critical period of bone development, will reduce peak bone mass and increase the risk of osteoporotic fracture in later life. Depo-Provera® should be used as a long-term birth control method (e.g., longer than two years) only if other birth control methods are inadequate.

Smoking may further decrease the levels of calcium stored in the bone.  It is very important that a woman's diet contain adequate calcium intake (1200-1500 mg per day). Although there are no studies addressing whether or not calcium and vitamin D may lessen bone marrow density (BMD) loss in women using Depo-Provera®?, all patients should have adequate calcium and vitamin D intake. Calcium supplements may be used if one cannot attain the recommended dietary intake.

Menstrual Changes - This is the most common side effect experienced.  The amount of bleeding may vary from irregular or unpredictable spotting and light bleeding to no bleeding at all.  With increasing duration of use, frequency and length of bleeding episodes usually decrease.  In clinical studies, 55% of the women reported no menstrual bleeding after one year of use.  Occasionally a woman will experience daily bleeding or bleeding may be heavier than a usual period, and this should be reported to the health care clinician.  This side effect is related to the effect of the DMPA on the ovaries and uterine lining.

Depression - Depo-Provera® may cause moodiness and feelings of depression.  This may be worse in women who have had depression in the past and may make it more difficult to treat active depression.  If a woman is on antidepressant medications, she should discuss this carefully with all of her health care providers.

Weight Gain - Depo-Provera® users may experience an increased appetite.  The average weight gain is approximately five pounds in the first year and eight pounds after two years of use.  A healthy diet and regular exercise will help decrease weight gain.

Other side effects that may occur include increased headaches, decreased sex drive, breast tenderness, acne, abdominal/pelvic cramps, bloating, hair loss or slow hair growth, vaginal dryness, fatigue and insomnia.  If you experience any of these side effects or others that you think may be related to the Depo-Provera®, you should contact your health care clinician.

This post has been edited by Galcobar: Oct 14, 2005 - 10:50 PM