QuestionHi Danielle. I don't know whether or not this is within your range of expertise, but I'm hoping you can help me. My question is regarding Depo-Provera. I have been on Depo Provera since I was in my early teens (I am now in my late twenties). The doctor prescribed it for me because I could not handle my periods (there were physical as well as psychological issues). Shortly after I started on Depo, I stopped getting periods all together and have lived happily ever after! LOL I have NO desire to EVER have children. The thought of having periods, getting pregnant, giving birth etc just disgusts me. It also terrifies me, and I want to avoid it at all costs! For me, Depo has been a godsend. I actually have two questions. One is regarding the long term safety of Depo Provera. Can I continue to safely use Depo Provera indefinitely? I have had two doctors give me two very different opinions, and while researching the topic I have discovered conflicting information. Some people are proponents of the drug, while others call it "dangerous". I have never had any serious side effects from it myself, and have only had positive experiences with the drug. I can't help but wonder if some of the folks who have issues with the drug are biased, like perhaps they are oppossed to birth control. I have thought about getting a hysterectomy, but I am concerned about the pain and possible complications. And also, I do not know whether a doctor will perform this on me due to my age. Also, I am very overweight and have health issues like diabetes, which makes surgery risky. But I know without a doubt (even though people keep telling me I'll change my mind) that I do NOT (and will NEVER want!) children. There is also some debate over whether or not it is healthy for women not to have periods, but unless you want to get pregnant someday I really don't see the medical necessity of having a period. It's uncomfortable, inconvient, expensive etc
And secondly, I am wondering is it okay to be late getting your Depo shot if you are NOT presently using it for contraception? I am not currently sexually active, and have not been for some time. So I am not worried about getting pregnant. But I am just wondering if I were to wait a week or two, might I experience cramps or bleeding? Because that would freak me out, and I want to avoid that. But I am already late, and I have a lot going on right now. So if it's not necessary, I'd like to wait until towards the end of the week when I have some more free time.
I apologize in advance. I know this question is a bit lengthy. But I would really appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions to the best of your ability, or at least give me your own personal opinion. I know you are not a doctor, but it seems from reading your past responses that you are very knowledgable about reproductive health/rights issues, and are an ideal person to ask. Thank you very much.
AnswerHi Stephanie :)
I will certainly try! And no need for advanced apologies-it's what I'm here for ;)
As for long term usage, this study: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21757052 was done on women who used the shot until menopause, and women who used IUDs. No significant differences in bone mineral density between the two groups.
You can also look into calcium supplements which can help prevent bone loss even more.
As long as it's working for you, that's what matters.
True, finding a doctor to do a hysterectomy right now would be very, very difficult. And unless a doctor does a test to see how your bones are doing and thus sees worrisome loss, they have no reason to tell you it's unhealthy long term.
You may experience cramps and bleeding, but you probably won't, especially if you're only a week late. And, because I want you to be as safe and healthy as possible (which includes people minding their own business and not insulting you by declaring that you'll one day want kids...i mean, if you haven't changed your mind now, will the next 10-20 years provide a radical change?) if you ever do have any kinds of sex that put you at pregnancy risk while you're getting shots on a later schedule, make sure there's a backup method! :)
I hope I was able to help-please message me again if you want more info!
