Contraceptive injection. D:

[Bibliophile]

I didn't know whether to put this here on in Sex and Puberty, but since you can't get pregnant from lesbian sex, I'll post it here.

My doctor wants me to get the contraceptive injection as my period is extremely painful, and quite frankly, my life would be a hell of a lot more bearable without periods. xD I was just wondering if anyone here had it. I've been told that the needle goes into your bum. Is it actually THAT bad? Will I still be able to have children in the future? Is it likely to have any side effects?

Thanks.

[The Morrigan]

I haven't had it personally myself (scared of needles) but I'm not sure who told you that they stick it in your bum because as far as I know they just stick it in your arm like any other injection

This was taken from the NHS website

It can take up to one year for your fertility level to return to normal after the injection wears off, so it may not be suitable if you want to have a baby in the near future.

So unless your planning on having a baby soon then you should be alright to use it and still have children in the future

The most common side effects of it are...
Headaches
Mood Swings
Breast Tenderness
No periods or irregular bleeding

Here's the NHS page if you want to read more about it - http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/contracep...injection.aspx

Take care

[Maloo]

They like you to get the shot in your lower back/top of your butt because you have less issues with spotting that way.

I think the shot absolutely f*cking sucks, to be honest with you. My mood swings were ridiculous, and my depression got so bad.

As for making your period go away, the shot actually makes some people's periods get worse. And most people gain a good amount of weight on it.

I just think it's not a good idea. My doctor advised me against ALL forms of long term birth control.

[Bibliophile]

Hmmm. My doctor said after a few doses it should make my period go away. :/ Ah well, I'll speak to him soon. I can't really go off contraception, but I need to find another way.

What about the implant? That's another option.

[Angel]

You should discuss all your options with your doctor. The few I can think of that will eliminate or lessen the severity of your periods include Depro-Provera, Implanon, and the Mirena IUD. It's not a guarantee though, and many women experience very irregular periods which might be a deal-breaker for you. 1 in every 5 women do not get their periods at all on the Mirena.

Other methods of contraception such as oral contraceptives, the patch, and NuvaRing may lessen the severity and length of your periods and premenstrual symptoms. You can choose to skip your period with any of these methods by continuously using it, instead of taking a week off.

It's up to you and your doctor to discuss which method might work best for you. You should bring up any concerns you have, such as infertility using some of these contraceptive methods. Good luck. ♥

[Maloo]

I know it SHOULD make your period stop, but that doesn't mean it will.

My doctor said that people should steer clear from all types of long term birth control like the shot, implant, and iud.

[Angel]

Originally Posted by Myss

I know it SHOULD make your period stop, but that doesn't mean it will.

My doctor said that people should steer clear from all types of long term birth control like the shot, implant, and iud.

Why does your doctor say that?

[Maloo]

because it screws up most people's periods, making them very irregular, with lots of spotting, etc.

[Bibliophile]

Originally Posted by Myss

because it screws up most people's periods, making them very irregular, with lots of spotting, etc.

But it doesn't do this to everyone?

Either way, I'm probably going to give one a go. I haven't decided which, yet. I think I'm going to ask about the implant, at least that way I don't have to worry for three years.

[Angel]

Originally Posted by Myss

because it screws up most people's periods, making them very irregular, with lots of spotting, etc.

That happens with other contraceptive methods as well. I have the Paragard and it's been great so far. No spotting, no great irregularities, and no side effects like I have gotten while on hormonal birth control. Some people are able to use long term birth control experiencing minimal side effects and discomfort. Your doctor is allowed to have his/her own opinions, but it is really up to the patient (in this case, the OP) and her own doctor to settle on what would work best for her.

[Maloo]

Originally Posted by Angel

That happens with other contraceptive methods as well. I have the Paragard and it's been great so far. No spotting, no great irregularities, and no side effects like I have gotten while on hormonal birth control. Some people are able to use long term birth control experiencing minimal side effects and discomfort. Your doctor is allowed to have his/her own opinions, but it is really up to the patient (in this case, the OP) and her own doctor to settle on what would work best for her.

I agree with you, but with the shot, there's also the fact that they don't know how it effects people far in the future, because it hasn't been around for very long.

To the OP, why do you feel you have to use a form of long-term contraception?

[Bibliophile]

I've tried various pills and none of them have been helpful to me at all. My doctor recommended the contraceptive injection...

[Maloo]

Have you thought about the NuvaRing?

[Bibliophile]

It's not really one that's used much in the UK. I'll ask my doctor about it. Thing is, it's difficult, I have a history of diabetes and cardiac problems, and about a million other things in my family, so trying anything is risky. Ideally my doctor wants me to try something that will get rid of my period completely because of how painful they are.

[Maloo]

I get what you're saying. If you have any history of depression, just be careful if you choose the depo shot because it can make it a lot worse.

[losing touch.]

sorry for slightly late reply, only just saw this thread.
I know a lot about the injection (i was on it for 2 years). i had barely any side effects apart from i did gain a bit of weight. I have friends who didn't gain any weight though so don't assume this happens to everyone.
You can pretty much pick wherever you want to have the injection as long as theres some muscle there. I usually had it in my thigh because that's where it stings the least from my experience. (don't let the fact that it's an injection put you off - it's really not painful, a tiny sting)

I came off the injection at the beginning of the year. This is because i'd been on it for 2 years and my doctor told me it's not recommended that you stay on the injection continuously for more than 2 years.
My periods stopped completely and haven't yet restarted. I've been assured this is normal and it can take anywhere from a few months to a year for periods to restart and things to settle down again.
It's definitely an individual decision, it's not for everyone but for some people it's a good option. Talk it through with your doctor a bit more and see if it's for you.

[Gaia]

I've had the implant for 2 and a half years, and I love it
It's worked better for me than for others I know on it, and everyone is different, but I think the main difference with the shot and the implant is that they can take the implant out. Most people I know with the implant, myself including, barely bleed at all. And if they do, it's not for long. Some people take a while to settle in with it, and will occasionally be prescribed the pill along side it to help.
Though, of course, it's not the same for everyone. It could be fantastic for you, it could make it worse, but if it is worse, then they can take it out and you can try something else. [:

[Bibliophile]

I think I'm going to try the implant. It does go in your arm, right? Will my self harm make that difficult or anything?

[Gaia]

It's implanted in the top inside of your arm which you don't write with. Roughly just outside of the bicep... if that makes sense
You can feel it when you touch there, but assuming you don't self harm there, I'd say it would be fine.