Ladies - one more BC question about Depo

I'm 32 and I know better but - the whole idea of inserting a "ring", leaving it in even during sex, and then trying to find it again does not set well with me.

The diaphragm is definitely NOT for you! 

The diaphragm is definitely NOT for you! 

No, I guess not.  I guess that is kind of a mini-phobia of mine. 

I cannot wait until they come up with some kind of BC where you can get one shot a year or take one pill a year and have no side effects whatsoever. Of course, I'll be in menopause by then. 

I cannot wait until they come up with some kind of BC where you can get one shot a year or take one pill a year and have no side effects whatsoever. Of course, I'll be in menopause by then. 

That would be so awesome!

I cannot wait until they come up with some kind of BC where you can get one shot a year or take one pill a year and have no side effects whatsoever. Of course, I'll be in menopause by then. 

From what I hear, the Mirena coil comes close - for those who do okay w/progesten.  But it does have to be inserted and then you need to check the threads or have them checked, so if you're not comfortable w/doing that it's not for you.

What about Implanon? It's very similar to Norplant, but lasts for 3 years instead of 5.

or what about the cooper coil?  no progestrone. in for 12 years.

http://www.plannedparenthood.org/pp2/portal/files/portal/medicalinfo/birthcontrol/pub-contraception-iud.xml

I appreciate the suggestions and will read on both. I have an appointment to discuss my options with my doctor. I like the idea of implanting something in my arm rather than having a copper coil put in there. I'm not comfortable with those options. I have a phobia about that sort of thing which I know I should get over. I have  a great doctor and she will talk me through all my options.

Courtney,

Have you used the Implanon?

Thanks again,
Dawn

Courtney,

Have you used the Implanon?

Thanks again,
Dawn

No. But I did have a Norplant from 1994-1999 and it was the best 5, worry-free (in terms of contraception) years of my adult life. I had no side effects or issues at all and if I get to the point where I need contraception again, I may go for the Implanon. I have also used the NuvaRing and liked it alot as well.

I was reading up on the Implanon and it is not widely known about yet in the States, is not offered anywhere near me and the website stated it would be widely offered sometime in 2007! Oh, well. 

Ahhh. Sorry. Didn't realize you were in the states.

The copper coil gives you longer, heavier periods.  Who needs that?  Yuk!

Again, you'd have to check the threads, which would mean being pretty familiar w/your body.

Hope you find something that works for you!

Ahhh. Sorry. Didn't realize you were in the states.

Not a problem, I appreciate it, though. 

The copper coil gives you longer, heavier periods.  Who needs that?  Yuk!

Again, you'd have to check the threads, which would mean being pretty familiar w/your body.

Hope you find something that works for you!

My period is only two days as is so no no no, I don't want a heavier period. 

Thanks for the info ladies!

I've been on Depo for nearly a year now and I love it. No probs whatsoever and I love love love not having a period (though I do get some spotting now and again). I've gained weight recently (in the last 4 or 5 months) and I was going to blame some sort of delayed reaction to the injection until I started exercising and eating healthy again - and the weight's now coming off quite quickly so it wasn't the Depo afterall.... I think everyone is different with BC, really.... But I do agree that you shouldn't take it if you're prone to depression.

Edited to add that I do take a calcium/Vit. D supplement and do weight bearing exercise every day as I do worry a bit about bone density.

I was on depo for over 3 years and I never had any problems either. 

To be honest, the possbility of weight gain is the main thing keeping me from doing the depo shot.    The bone loss potential does scare me but I'm sure that could be addressed hopefully some way. I would not want to be on it long-term, maybe a couple of years at the most. And depression is a factor as well. If my GYN gives me the go-ahead I'm going to try the Depo.