QuestionI just had my second child Halloween of 2006. My husband and I didn't have sex for the recommended 6 weeks. At my 6 week appointment I was given the depo shot. we started having sex with out a condom. I was due to go back for a second shot on the 14th of March. Having taken the shot before and always being very regular with my periods, I expected a period shortly after I was supposed to get the second shot (but didn't) As expected, I had a period on the 16th of March. It was a few days shorter than usual, but I just thought it was due to the birth of my son, and the depo shot. It's now May 22nd and I have not had another period. Nore a second depo shot. I have been experiencing very similar symptoms that I had with my two previous pregnancies, and my stomach is starting to get hard. (I'm a chunky girl) I feel pregnant but we have used condoms since the 14th of March. Is it possible that I could be pregnant, I think that I got pregnant during the shot, but I've taken 5 home pregnancy tests, and they all came out negative. I don't want to fork out $150.00 to get a blood test, which is how much my doctor would charge. Is it possible that I am pregnant? And far enough along that I am already starting to show?
AnswerDear Candice,
If your LMP was 3/16, and you have had protected sex since 3/14, AND you have had five negative pregnancy test results, I would say you are not pregnant. Depo Provera is 97-99.7% effective as birth control. But if, by chance, you had become pregnant while on Depo, that would make you at least 14 weeks along by now. At 13-16 weeks, the normal hCG level would be 13,300 - 254,000 mIU/ml. Most pregnancy tests are designed to detect hCG levels at approximately 25 mIU/ml. So... if you were 14 weeks pregnant, a test should have no problem in picking up the pregnancy hormone at all.
The problem with Depo Provera is that it tends to play havoc with a woman's menstrual cycles. Irregular, heavy, or no bleeding are common side effects of Depo Provera. After a year of use, many women stop having periods. Lack of a period becomes increasingly common with longer use. Also 70% of women using Depo Provera gain weight. Almost half of the women using Depo Provera gain more than 5 pounds after one year of use. Many women gain more than 10 pounds. Other side effects of Depo Provera can include headaches, nervousness, mood changes, bloating, hot flashes, decreased interest in sex, breast tenderness, acne, hair loss, and back ache. After the last shot of Depo Provera, it can take over 6 months for the drug to leave the body. Side effects may linger until the drug is completely gone.
Based on all of the above information, my suspicion is that the irregularity in your menstrual cycle is more likely due to the Depo than to a pregnancy. If you continue to be concerned about this and/or a firmness in your abdomen, you should see your doctor for an exam and evaluation.
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
