QuestionI gave birth to my son 2 months ago, and after my 6 week checkup i got the depo shot, now i am in harendus pain in my lower abdominal area, and i have been bleeding for almost 2 weeks straight!!!! I just tried having intercoarse and it hurt way to much so i had to stop, and my partner said it felt way to warm inside of me.... could i have been pregnant and the shot caused a misscarage? did i even have a miscarage? help please, i REALY appreciate it.
AnswerDear Diana,
Irregular, heavy, or no bleeding are common side effects of Depo Provera. Many women have some heavy bleeding in the first cycle or two. After a year of use, many women stop having periods. Lack of a period becomes increasingly common with longer use.
Other side effects of Depo Provera can include weight gain, headaches, nervousness, mood changes, bloating, hot flashes, decreased interest in sex, breast tenderness, acne, hair loss, and back ache.
Unfortunately, once you've had the shot, there is nothing you can do to reverse it. 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. The book Contraceptive Technology says: "It is not possible to discontinue Depo Provera immediately. Weight gain, depression, breast tenderness, allergic reactions, and menstrual irregularities may continue until Depo Provera is cleared from a woman's body, about 6 to 8 months after her last injection. After discontinuing Depo Provera, women may also have a 6 to 12 month delay in return of fertility."
The abdominal pain and increased pain with intercourse should be reported to your doctor. My suggestion would be to contact your OB doctor regarding ALL of these symptoms. It may also help if you get a temperature before you call. He/she may very well want to examine you to rule out the possibility of an infection that has started and is causing these symptoms.
I hope this information has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
