Depo Provera

[nicnicnic]

Hi All
I had this injection a couple of months ago and havn't had a period since (bliss). Problem now is, how do I know if I'm pregnant? Obviously I have no periods so the major tell tale sign isn't there!! Apparantly its 99% effective, but how do you know if you're the unlucky one?!
Thanks in advance! x

[malaise]

It's highly unlikely you'd get pregnant on Depo. You'd have to do a pregnancy test if you suspect you are, so follow the usual signs (swollen breasts, morning sickness). I would discuss this with your family planning nurse, if missing periods worries you. x

[spacechimp]

That sounds that a nasty drug.

[spacechimp]

that sounds like a nasty drug*

[Jennykins]

Take a test... And its not the greatest thing to be putting in your body

JEN

PS and its only 99% is you dont smoke, and drink.

[Lollyhoney]

It's only putting stuff in your body that's already there. It is a hormone injection, and hormones are 'normal' in your body. I think nicnicnic ought to be commended for trying to be cautious with her birth control methods to prevent unwanted pregnancy. She was asking how she could tell if she were pregnant, not your opinion on the fact that she was on the depo!

Nicnicnic- I think the only way you could tell to be honest would be to do a pregnancy test. I was on it for three years, and was very happy with it.

[pilchard]

Nicnicnic

I was on the depo for 10 years with no periods, no ill effect and certainly no pregnancy scares. I found it the best form of contraception for a young woman. I'm 34 now and expecting my first child and when i'm ready for contraception again it will be the depo. Enjoy a PMT free life!!!!!

[spacechimp]

It is putting an unnaturally high level of it in your body though, a level which decreases bone density, which can cause infertility for 2 years after injection. "For some women, Depo-Provera may have a number of potentially intolerable side effects, including loss of interest in sexual activity, infertility, severe headaches, constant bleeding, weight gain, panic attacks, muscle pain, heart palpitations, pain during sex, and acne". Source: Wikipedia.

Obviously these things have been discussed and accounted for already with a doctor, but I maintain that it can be a nasty drug.

[pilchard]

Spacechimp

Have you tried it, they list ALL POSSIBLE side effects. Do you take any medication after you have read the leaflet notifying you of POSSIBLE side effects??? If you took it as gospel you wouldn't take any kind of medication. Do you use contraception???

[spacechimp]

Of course I don't use contraception, nor do I use drugs to prevent menstruation as I am a 14 year old boy. I don't take any medication at all as it happens, which is not to say that I haven't in the past. However, the decrease in bone density is not just a possible side-affect, it happens universally with the use of the drug. That alone would put me off ever using it, apart from its use as a chemical castrator.

[Jennykins]

spacechimp.. good points, it also can cause a stroke if you smoke or drink while on the shot or pill... LollyHoney. Good point about what nicnicnic was only asking... But on these message boards people always tend to bring in more discussion on the topic.. and yes.. nicnicnic Its great that you are having safe sex! Good job!

JEN

[pilchard]

spacechimp

Do you have a PhD? or are you just repeating what you have read on the Web?

[spacechimp]

Do you have a PhD from a university whose degrees are actually worth something?

Yes, I am just repeating what I've read on the internet, as quite clearly marked by the fact that I said "that sounds like a nasty drug*".

[pilchard]

Spacechimp

Yes i do have a PhD, earned in 2000 and i now work for the UK government in Medical Research.

I think your time may be spent viewing some sites that explain research (including clinical) and the details attached to some medicine after a trial is complete

[spacechimp]

Well, if you worked for a reputable organisation that might mean something. The UK government is risible.

[pilchard]

Are you in private education or is it a STATE school? When you have actually lived a life and gained experience and developed your own opinions maybe we can talk then. God forbid you need any kind of medical assistance in the future, all medicines are approved by the risible government!!!!

[spacechimp]

You still haven't told me from which university you received your PhD. I'm really interested.

I'm in one of those brilliant bog standard comprehensives which the government thinks will improve just by giving them a different name.

[pilchard]

After completing my studies at the University of Kent, I got my PhD with the Medical Research Council. Practical learning, much better then just reading and regurgitating!!!

[spacechimp]

Reading and regurgitating is perfectly effective at enriching knowledge.

[Jennykins]

Space chimp I think you ROCK!!!!!

[pilchard]

Only someone who wasn't allowed after 10 o'clock would think that. Keep up the reading!!!!