Depo shot /spotting and other options for BC

[stah-chica.livejournal.com]

I'm sure this question has been asked a dozen times before so I apologize for asking, but I'm a little worried and wasn't able to get in touch with my gyno today.

I've been on the Depo shot for about a year and a half now, never had any issues with it. I have gained some weight but around the time I got a serious SO, I stopped going to the gym and began eating more (ahhh what love can do!) so I can't really blame that on the shot. However, since last Monday I've been spotting on a daily basis. Not like a full period, just enough to stain my underwear and everytime I wipe I notice there's a little blood there. I'm wondering at what point I should be concerned? How long before this common spotting side-effect crosses into abnormal?

Now that I'm reading more about the depo shot I'm thinking of changing to another birth control method. I don't think the pill or the patch will work for me, the thought of a Nuva ring or IUD turns me off, to be honest. I like that for 3 months I just don't have to think about the BC with the shot. My bf's sister got some kind of little thing put in her arm, it's right under the skin and it lasts for a few years. I don't know what it's called, does anyone have any experience with this or know if there are any annoying side-effects like with the shot?

I appreciate any answers and sorry that this got so long! ^_^;

Comments

[mari-mac1109.livejournal.com]

Your bf's sister probably got Implanon, a hormonal implant.

As far as spotting on Depo goes, I think spotting is one of the most common side effects. I'd say that if it lasts more than two weeks, that you might want to call your gyno. But, I bled for five weeks straight on Depo.

I would reconsider the Ring. You only have to fuss with it once a month and you can't even tell it's in the rest of the time. I've had very few side effects on it, and it's made my monthly brain crazies about ten times easier to deal with.

[stah-chica.livejournal.com]

Do you get a period on the Ring? And do you get it put in by the doctor or do you put it in yourself? Sorry, I know it's silly it's just the thought of putting something in there that squicks me out. I probably sound like those guys who won't wear condoms because they say they're uncomfortable. :P

[mari-mac1109.livejournal.com]

You don't HAVE to get a period. You can stack your rings (put a new one in as soon as you take out the old one) and skip that way. And, you put it in yourself. I had IMMENSE trouble with tampons, but the Ring hasn't ever bothered me. It takes less than a minute to put it in. You pretty much pinch the ring in half and push in until it locks in place up behind your pelvic bone. Easy as can be.

I honestly NEVER feel it. Ever.

[stah-chica.livejournal.com]

Hmm...interesting. I'm going to talk to my doc and see what the best option is. I'm definitely considering using something other than the shot though. I've heard so many awful things about it.

[atalanta0jess.livejournal.com]

The ring is basically like one of those jelly bracelets that some ravers wear, both in size and texture. If that helps at all. :)

[jocelina.livejournal.com]

I think that's the best description of it I've seen so far! :)

[wateringrocks.livejournal.com]

i'm on depo for the same reasons as you and after 2 years i still get occasional spotting. i find that it happens when i get close to time for a new shot of sometimes when i'm around my 'ghost period' time (pms, cramps, no blood)
i love depo and am gonna stay on it till i get up the guts for an IUD (only cause implanon isn't available in canada)