QuestionI had my baby five months ago and I am still bleeding. The delivery was vaginal and he was four weeks early but everything was normal. I am still bleeding and I cramp a lot and my back and hips hurt not to mention the constant tiredness and crabbiness. I had the depo shot for birth control but the three months are up and I still have my little problem of bleeding. Please what should I do? Is this normal?
AnswerHi Melania,
Bleeding is definitely one of the common side effects of Depo and it can continue even after you have stopped taking it. This is what you are most likely experiencing. However, just to be safe, because of the cramping, you might consider going back to the doctor who gave you the shot and make sure that there's not something else going on - like an infection or other pathology.
Are you nursing your baby exclusively (night and day, no formula)? If so, this can possibly provide the natural birth control you need without resorting to hormonal measures.
If you are not nursing, I would recommend a method such as NFP, which involves tracking your cycle each month and abstaining during the period of time when conception would be most likely. You can find more info about it at http://nfpandmore.org They have free e-books to read, and free charts to print out.
Hormonal birth control (shots, pills, etc.) in my opinion should be a last resort, reserved for only for certain extreme cases of reproductive problems, because they carry with them so many potentially harmful side effects.
Regards,
Anne Marie
