Conflicted about Depo shot

I am wondering if the Depo shot is the right choice for me?  I have never had a regular period and have used bc pills before but now with working three part-time jobs I find it hard to remember where I put my keys let alone to take a pill.  I have read what feels like hundreds of stories about the Depo shot and how people have bleed all year with it, or have some of the side effects that the FDA said are pretty uncommon?  I am 33 yrs old not children and don't plan on having any.  I wanted to use the Depo as a form of birth control so that my boyfriend and I don't have to worry about the possibility of getting pregnant.  Is the depo shot as bad as people are saying it is?  NEED HELP!!! I have two days to decided before I miss my oppurtunity again especailly not knowing when I will get my next period.  Thanks.

[kcook1207]

I had the depo hoping that when i got off i would be able to have kids within a couple of months, it can take up to 2 years to get pregnant after having just 1 depo shot. while i was on the shot I had absolutely no period at all. i also gained a bit of weight (which is a normal side effect) but its really difficult to loose. if you plan on never having kids or having kids a really long time from now then its fine. hope you find the right bc for you and good luck on your search.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Depo-Provera is a long-acting progestin (hormone) form of birth control. If you stop getting Depo-Provera injections, your period usually returns within 3 to 10 months but sometimes it may take 12-18 mths. Moreover it has few side effects like irregular periods, hormonal imbalance, abdominal cramps and weight changes.

So use it after a gynecologist’s guidance.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.