upset

[piggypiggy]

this may be a dumb form. but my mom has told me im going on the depo shot, im very upset. i hard it makes you gain over 10 pounds and gives you headahcs and can even make acne worse. im also worried about having a pap smear, do you think i will have to have one for this?

[Kmccrank]

I am not sure if the dr will even give you depo.  I asked for it less than a yr ago and my dr wouldnt give it to me because I was only 22.  He said apart from weight gain it also can cause bone loss.  He said he wont give it to any one under 30  Come to think of it my ob said the same thing.  Oh and dont worry about the pap its only a little uncomfortable.  :)

[gillianl]

DO NOT GO ON DEPO-PROVERA!!!  i was on depo for 2 and a half years have been off of it for 2 years and have yet to conceive.  It also takes all the goodness from your bones and can affect you in later life the longer you use it.  I believe this form of contraception is poison to a womans body.  I agree with the other women there are various types of birth control look into everything and ask your doctor everything you need to know about the type you choose.  Best of luck

[MaryAK]

No one can force you to have a gynocological exam or force you to take medications/shots.  No one, not even your mother.  However, if you take birth control pills or go on the shot, your doctor will perform a pelvic exam beforehand.  It's a common/standard practice.  I've heard a lot of mixed information about the depo shot.  Some women love it some hate it.  And, you are so young for any of these chemical methods of birth control.  
My advise would be to do lots of research on either method and decide which is best for you.  And, when your mother takes you to the doctor speak privately with your doctor and get their advise as well.  
Your mother cannot force you to get the shot.  Remember that.  I hope eveything works out for you.

[Lance06]

They normally wont give you mirena/iud if you havnet had any children, so that probably wont be an option for you.

Personally, for me, I was on the shot and gained almost 40 pds..i know its diff for everyone, but it did not agree with me.

Maybe talk to the doc about the patch or pills! Your mom cannot force you to get the shot!

[LosingMyMindInGA]

Another option would be mirena.  It's inserted into the uterus and stays there....there's no maintenance, no remembering to take a pill or put it in.  I  know one girl who has it and she hasn't gained any weight....she's lost all the baby weight from having her son.  

Explain to your mom your reasons for not wanting the depo shot.  Research it on the internet and print out some of the stuff so you can show her all the bad side effects.  Tell her you aren't opposed to a new BC just not that one!

[idkwat]

Hi. I know nothing about the shot but my aunt is a gynacologist and I very recently had a discussion with her about pap smears. She told me that a pap smear is only necessary three years after your first sexual expirence or, if you haven't had one by then, when you are 21. Sorry if my informantion didn't help, but I tried.  :)    By the way, I am a teen and I'm on the pills and I love it!