Spotting all the time on Depoprovera

I'm 23 and have been on depo for a year now, coming up on my fifth injection.  I was told that spotting was normal for the first 2-3 injections, but my spotting has been every single day for six months now.  Sure, the shot is convenient, but the spotting sure isn't.  I'm convinced I need to make a switch.  I have endometriosis, which complicates the issue a bit.  Has anyone else had this problem and found something that works?  I've been considering an IUD for the convenience, without the hormonal hassles - any thoughts?

[Karen777]

I have endometriosis too and am trying to decide on a birth control treatment.  I have not been on the Depo shot but was considering this option.  All that spotting sounds very frustrating.  I was using a Paraguard IUD before I knew I had endo.  I'm not sure if it is a good option to treat endo since it does not stop you from having periods.  In fact it made mine heavier.  However, the Mirina IUD does contain hormones so it may be a better choice.  I went into the ER a few weeks back with severe abdominal cramping which led me to finding out I had endo.  They also removed my IUD because they said it caused me to get a bacterial infection.  I'm still not sure if this was the case after all since my laprascoic surgery indicated I had endo and and endomitrioma on my left ovary.  But it is something to consider if you get an IUD.  The t-shaped contraption could allow bacteria to travel to the fallopian tube and to the ovaries.  I might have been a rare case.

[joe199]

Hi,

I have endo and just recently had a laparotomy for adhesions and endometrioma cysts. It has been suggested to me by my surgeon that I take the Depo Shot as well. Have you had any other symptoms besides the spotting. I am kind of afraid of taking the shot. Have you gained any weight. How is your mood ?

Any assistance from any of the ladies on this site who has taken the depo shot would be much appreciated.