Does anyone know about or may be taking depo-provera?

I'm not a girl, so it's not exactly an option for me, but I believe that the risks of many medical contraceptives are not worthwhile. My opinion may be a little old-fashioned, but it has also been informed by women who have done a lot of research on the subject. Practically every method of medium- to long-term contraception comes with significant medical risks, including the potential to temporarily or permanently change metabolism and lower bone density, and in some cases can result in infertility.

There are other less invasive methods. As you know, one-time-use contraceptives like condoms and spermicide have virtually no side effects. One alternative that you might consider is called "Natural Family Planning. " I understand that the name is a turn-off--I mean, kids are what you _don't_ want right now--but all it really involves is charting your cycle using a calendar and body measurements. That way, you can predict with a fair amount of accuracy which days you will or won't be able to get pregnant. When used with other methods of contraception, NFP virtually eliminates the risk of pregnancy.

Just thought I'd throw that out there, since NFP is not often discussed in the mainstream. It's mostly used where contraception isn't an option due to personal or religious preferences. After all, not every devout family wants 20 kids!

I just started the nuva ring two months ago and I love it. I actually started using it cause of heavy bleeding and that stopped immediately. I like the fact that it is once a month too. I tried the patch and ended up having problems with that. My first son was born while I was on the traditional daily pill. They say that you have to take it every day at the exact same time and that is not always practical.

My husband says he cannot feel the nuva ring. It is a little expensive $25 - $30 a month.

Two of my friends got the mirena IUD and love it and their insurance paid for it. It's good for five years so that's a plus and the doctor puts it in right in the office.

Remember that none of these methods will prevent STD's. And you can't use nuva ring or an IUD if you have ever had PID.
Good Luck!

FoxySox and I had very similar experiences with contraception. While I was on the depo-shot I also had bleeding that didn't stop. Doctors said that I could expect spotting, but it was much heavier than that. I was on it for about 9 months (3 shots), in hopes that the bleeding would subside overtime, doctors said that there was a good chance for that, but it didn't. From there, I tried the OrthoEvera patch. Another attempt at having the convenience to not be obligated to take the pill everyday. Like FoxySox, this didn't work out for me either. It isn't as adhesive as they say it to be, and when rubbing against clothing or showering or getting dressed and undress or one of the many other tasks us women perform during the day it loosens and eventually falls off before its time to replace it. For me, neither of these options were worth it. From there, I tried Yaz, a pill contraceptive. Overall I was really happy with it, my periods were lighter, less severe PMS and I didn't have any noticeable side effects other than mild weight gain (which is normal for most hormonal contraceptives). The only problem I had with it, which had nothing to do with the product itself, was forgetting to take one every once and a while. Luckily, even though its not recommended, missing one or two a month (not consecutive days) is acceptable. But if you consider a pill, really try to take it everyday for optimal protection.

So I have had experience taking a few of those and know others who have taken the rest.The "depo" is not a good idea.The dose of hormones was so high that it made me sick and crampy ,also I spotted the whole time I was on it....I don't know about everyone else...but I'm not a big fan of bleeding for 3 months straight.

Recently myself and a friend of mine tried the patch.And it was the same thing...headaches cramps and spotting...and to top it off the patch is just like a band aid.It leaves that gummy black stuff around the area it is on and you have to wear each patch for a week.Mine came off as I was pulling off my pants!...ummm...not for me

I had a friend who tried the IUD (a little copper cross they insert inside of you and I guess it gives off no hormones)they put it in wrong so she ended up going numb on one side of her body for a while till they took it out.My sister has the IUD as well and as far as I know she has had no problems with it.

The spermicidal stuff would be a good idea if you chose the NFP solution mentioned by one of the men.It is only 75 percent effective so it would not be the only solution if used by itself.

As far as the pill goes I have tried 2 kinds

~ortho tri cyclen~

I really liked because it helps clear up your skin but the dose is a little higher then my body can handle recently so I have switched to...

~Yaz ~

I really like Yaz.It helps with cramps and I don't feel all moody during "that time".It is a low dose pill so I don't get all the side effects from the stronger ones.

Nuva ring I have not tried and I don't know anyone who has.I really would like to try it out but I'm not covered for it with my insurance .From what I have heard a lot of women like it.I believe its a once a month thing also.I have also heard that the guy can feel the ring....so IDK if that's bad or good...LoL
Personally I would be afraid of it coming out at some point in time.

My suggestion is to try a few and see what is best for your body and lifestyle...taking a pill everyday may not be for you .Over all the ones I have tried...I like Yaz the best.