Depo provera

Cancer-chick

Hi all

Iv been on Depo provera pill for 18 months now and due to treatment for cancer have been advised to take a break from it.
Hubby and i are worried as getting pregnant would be a disaster and for medical reasons i cant take the oral pill.
So i have 2 questions..
Does anyone know how long it takes for your 1st period to arrive after stopping injection (My injection was due last wk and i didnt have it so am wondering how long i will have to wait for period)
And does anyone have any suggestions on alternate methods of contraception?
(PLEASE NO BRIGHT SPARK ANSWERS )

thanks

WindSock

Mine took 6 months to come back after I was due injection. Have you enquired about using an IUD?

b3t4

The injection can take months and in some cases years to get fully out of your system so be prepared for this. This is all on an individual basis so noone can say for sure when you're periods will come back.

In some cases a doctor will put women on the pill to get their periods back regular again but this is up to your doctor whether that is appropiate or not.

I'd suggest the nuvaring. I haven't used it but my doctor did recommend it to me the last time I was in with her and I'm seriously concidering it as an option. More info at www.nuvaring.com

Hope that helps somewhat,
A

Nevyn

I would not recamend the Depo provera to anyone at this stage I have simply heard of too many women who have had issues with it.
It coudl take quite a while for your cycles to sort it's self out after stoping the injection.

Given that cancer is the issue are artifical hormoanal contraceptions completely ruled out for you ?

If they are not then there are contraceptive menthods with a vastly reducted articfical hormaoan content.
Such as an IUS, the nuvoring and the contraceptive patch.

Check with your drs and see what they say.

If those are ruled out then there is the option of an IUD.

There is also the option of barrier contraception which maybe the best option while you are waiting on your cycle to work it's self out.
That would mean using condoms in conjunction with a diaphragm or cap with spermicide.

I am surpirsed that your drs didn't think to raise this topic with you as your sexual health is part of your over all health, andy thing tha lessens your stress and increases your happiness will help with the cancer issues.

Crea

It took me 5 months for my period to return after taking DP. Check with your doctor before using any contraceptive containing hormones because of your cancer.
The Mirena coil is great because there is no human error involved in using it and the hormone dose is very small. Some doctors won't prescribe it to women who haven't had babies because the neck of the cervix is too tight but in your case they may do it given it's so important that you don't get pregnant.

Cancer-chick

To be honest although i had done my research at the time of choosing depo, There seems to be a hell of a lot more horror stories on the net than 18 months ago.. And im fairly horrified going thru them.
I have had thyroid cancer and had the entire thyroid removed.. I am on replacemnet thyroid meds (a horses dose) to quote my oncologist ! And yet im gaining weight rapidly even thru treatment. Was so worried about getting pregnant thru treatment just focused on that but now just too many coincidences. My docs cant figure out why my symptoms have not alleviated after 10 months on thyroid meds.. I think i do now.
Also i was diagnosed with mild PCOS in 2004. I have a 6yr old but absoloutely squirm at the thought of a coil etc.. was recommended dianette for pcos but at this stage do ot want to add more hormones to the mix when it could take 18months for the depo to get out of my already addled system.

More sage advice gratefully received and thank you all in advance.. I am in a right spin at the mo with the treatment etc without worry of this too ..

CathyMoran

I have never been on hormonal birth control but was also not advised to get pregnant due to finishing chemo in December - we are just using condoms. Go back to your cancer support team and ask them what you can use. My periods have totally stopped at the moment due to the chemo and major surgery and I have been told that they could take some time to get back (but I could still get pregnant).

Cancer-chick

May i just add as well that although i have private health care .. really guys unless u have had the misfortune to go thru our so called 'health system' as a cancer patient , You cant understand how awful it is.. i ask questions all the time and consider myself informed but there is no consistency of care or in answers so at this point although im seeing my endo (hormone specialist) thurs.. im not hopeful.. When i asked him last time what my fertility chances were after treatment the answer i got was 'you can always adopt..wait and see' !!
UNBELIEVABLE!!
But I was on my own and nauseous and literally did not have the energy to argue.. but am bringing hubby thurs so will be tougher. But my point is .. ya i could try to get another hormone specialist .. But i waited 4 months to even SEE this one!! It aint that simple unfortunately and sometimes you reach a point where all the specialists tell you different things so all you can do is listen to you own body.
I just thought i would say this because trust me .. i have cancer .. I ask them questions all the time.. not all the answers are plausible or workable hence me being here..
Thanks for help

Cancer-chick

God Cathy .. How r u doing after chemo girl ? (stoopid question i know) !

I feel for you girl .. Were ye not worried about getting pregnant just with condoms.. it seems the most obv soloution but getting pregnant would be so disastrous during what surely will be more treatment and im caught between rock and hard place..

thinking of u

CathyMoran

Cancer-chick wrote:

God Cathy .. How r u doing after chemo girl ? (stoopid question i know) !

I feel for you girl .. Were ye not worried about getting pregnant just with condoms.. it seems the most obv soloution but getting pregnant would be so disastrous during what surely will be more treatment and im caught between rock and hard place..

thinking of u

Have sent you a PM, I have a feeling that we have a lot in common.

Talliesin

Cancer-chick wrote:

Does anyone know how long it takes for your 1st period to arrive after stopping injection (My injection was due last wk and i didnt have it so am wondering how long i will have to wait for period)

This varies considerably. According to the literature, the average is 9-10 months before there is a return of fertility with 18 months before your chances of conceiving are comparable to what they were before you begun.
However the actual time it will take you could be well off that average in either direction. In terms of contraception it could be well to assume that you are going to have a return of fertility "any minute now" and err on the side of caution.

Conversely in terms of worrying that not seeing any evidence of a return of fertility it wouldn't be worth going to your doctor until you have gone about a year and a half with no periods. However, as always, if you do feel worried there's no point going on anything but your own feelings in terms of what you bring to your doctor's attention.

Cancer-chick wrote:

And does anyone have any suggestions on alternate methods of contraception

Barrier contraception is not contra-indicted by any chemical medical treatments.

A non-hormonal IUD may suit you in sharing with depo the characteristic of being something you can forget about once it's done and that you don't have to worry about whether you have used it correctly (being the doctor's responsibility).

Possibly this wouldn't suit you, but it may be worth discussing with your gyno.

Nevyn

Why would you not consider an IUD or an IUS ?

spurious

I have the Mirena IUS and I find it excellent. Insertion was a little uncomfortable (and 'difficult' according to the doctor) because I have never had a child, but I find it great so far.

Personally, I got mine for extreme menorrhagia and it was a godsend but the side effect is that it's a great contraceptive too, which I don't need, but that's a whole other story.

Cancer-chick

Sorry but look maybe the IUD works for you but its not a consideration for me.
Id rather not go into details but you have to remember what works for someone may not work for another. All sorts of considerations have to be taken into account.

Nevyn

There is no need to make this personal, I certainly wasn't and I don't have an IUD.

You asked in this thread about other options and they were presented to you my first post;
I gave you plenty of links to information about several differint types.

The reason I asked that question is a lot of women just don't fancy the idea and so never look into what may be involved, if there are actual reasons that is your concern and that of your medical team.

You do deem to want more children have you and your husband look at this another way;
What about the possiblity of him to storing some sperm and go about having a vasectmony ?

Cancer-chick

look sorry .. who is making it personal .. just dont want to go down iud route and am taking into account everyones replies gratefully
so thanks ok

StormWarrior

From personal experience I HIGHLY reccommend the coil (the one without added hormones.) MUCH better than hormonal treatment.

spurious

Cancer-chick wrote:

Sorry but look maybe the IUD works for you but its not a consideration for me.
Id rather not go into details but you have to remember what works for someone may not work for another. All sorts of considerations have to be taken into account.

You asked for 'alternate methods of contraception'. I gave you one.
So, it's not a consideration for you, fine, but there is no need to reject my suggestion out of hand.

I am quite aware that what works for one person will not work for another.

Cancer-chick

spurious i was replying to thaedydal.. not u ...

Look to all those who replied thanks a million . Some people seem to be getting annoyed because i know that certain things wont work for me and have stated that.
I have enough going on with my illness to be dealing with

Thanks to all who posted and if anyone else has any other suggestions id be delighted to hear them

Catari Jaguar

Cancer-chick wrote:

To be honest although i had done my research at the time of choosing depo, There seems to be a hell of a lot more horror stories on the net than 18 months ago..

A LOT of that is from anti pre marital sex groups with their own agenda trying to scare teens. Obviously some people have a reaction but like aspirin can cause clots and nurofen makes your stomach bleed! Don't believe everything you read. I had no probs with DP. If you felt like you were getting period or had a light period at end of each 12 weeks when you were due next shot you'll prob get period fairly soon.

Would extra safe condoms and a spermicide not be pretty efficient??

b3t4

Lil Kitten wrote:

A LOT of that is from anti pre marital sex groups with their own agenda trying to scare teens.

I personally have had a bad experience with depo provera and so has a good friend of mine. I've read a good few horror stories as well and I didn't get that info from anti pre marital sex groups.

Doctors are now even advised to get patients who have been on DP for a while off it due to bone density issues.

A

Catari Jaguar

b3t4 wrote:

I personally have had a bad experience with depo provera and so has a good friend of mine. I've read a good few horror stories as well and I didn't get that info from anti pre marital sex groups.

Doctors are now even advised to get patients who have been on DP for a while off it due to bone density issues.

A

What experiences did you have out of curiosity?

As for bone density, i just take calcium supplements. But during pregnancy the foetus removes calcium from your bones if its not receiving enough. And thats permanent. So you're damned if you do and damned if you don't. Pregnancy causes weight gain too, and high blood pressure etc etc....

Depo is sh1t at the start as far as moods and sex drive. I found all that to settle. But I've read a lot of OTT scare mongering online, and not from professional or medical sites. You can tell they're trying to brain wash. They blame every little symptom on depo.

dudara

Please do not offer medical opinions on the injection. Stick to your own experiences.

dudara

Cancer-chick

Fair enough lil kitten

But im def having problems since i went on it which tie in with the latest press releases from Pfizer themselves to healthcare providers (Nov-Dec 06)
so unfortunately my experience is not as happy as yours and as im v much pro choice i vetted my sites carefully and used info from sites iv visited and posted on before.

Thanks but im afraid depo no longer an option and spermicide and condoms not enough safety

Guys also just to note as i have cancer and am still in treatment stages , for me to get pregnant in the next 12 months would be nothing short of disastrous as iv already been told a pregnancy could potentially kill me if the cancer is not in remission. I also do not want to make the choice to have to possibly terminate a pregnancy to stay alive for my existing daughter when i know i want kids in the future.

And can i just say that this seems to be eliciting some heated opinions. Im grateful for everyones advice but i could do without lectures on my choices. If i say i cant take up a suggestion it is with damn good reason and i came here to get as much opinion as possible..

Nevyn

I would suggest that talk to your drs then about the options for barrier protection and the effectiveness of the
Diaphragm
Cervical cap
Lea's shield
used in conjuntion with spermicide and condoms.

This must be a very trying time for you all.

Talliesin

Lil Kitten wrote:

A LOT of that is from anti pre marital sex groups with their own agenda trying to scare teens.

A lot of it has been made use of by such groups (and quite a few aren't above stretching it in ways that are an outright lie), but the genuine literature does indicate quite a few potential health risks and a lot of activists who are in favour of the availability of contraception have raised concerns about not just depo provera itself but also the way it got approval in many jurisdictions and which demographics its marketed most heavily to.

That it does increase bone-density loss is pretty much clear, and how reversible or not this is is not clear (and appears to be related to how long you use it, which is why the manufacturer recommends not using it for more than 2 years in some countries).

It does have considerable advantages over other contraceptive choices, but it does also have disadvantages.

There are also some clear contra-indications in some cases, which is why the OP is looking for alternatives in the first place - in her place she is clearly contra-indicated.

OP. What about cap and condom in combination? Could that work for you?

Cancer-chick

Thinking bout that alright taliesin.
think it may be one of the few options i have but u know with all the stuff that comes with having cancer and the physical effects .. its been really importnat to me to have a really close intimacy with hubby as so much normality has been taken away while we under so much uncertainty .. so i guess my worry with your option would be no spontaneity with all the pre planning involved

But i guess you win some u lose some ..

Thinking strongly about mirena as everyone seems to think it v low in hormones but if i could avoid any sort of device being fitted i would rather ..

I know we have decided on condoms and i am going to use the persona as well as soon as my cycle returns to some semblance of normality .. i think ill have to weigh it all up but its a minefield

Crea

I used Depo and didn't cause a problem for me until I stopped using it and tried to get pregnant. I took 6 months for my periods to return and then I was getting them every 3rd week for a few months. It took a further 4 months for them to regulate and another 6 months to get pregnant.

Anyhow OP - check with your Oncologist about Nuvaring. The hormone levels are quite small so they maybe happy for you to take that. Otherwise I think your options are the diaphram or condoms.
Best of luck with your treatment. My best friend had thyroid cancer and had the whole lot removed including glands but only had to have radium treatment for a week. That was 3 years ago and she's just had the all clear to get pregnant. She's not rushing into it but it's a great sign.

Cancer-chick

Crea i have yet to meet anyone with the same cancer as me - app its pretty rare

Would your friend be interested in talking to someone in similar situation u think ??

Nevyn

Cancer-chick wrote:

so i guess my worry with your option would be no spontaneity with all the pre planning involved

A lot of the barrier contraceptives can be put in place for a time beforehand
in some cases hours.

Cancer-chick wrote:

Thinking strongly about mirena as everyone seems to think it v low in hormones but if i could avoid any sort of device being fitted i would rather ..

The mirena IUS has aprox 1/5 of the hormoan doses that are used in the oral contraceptive pill and it is localises rather then going through the digestive system and all over you body.

I can certainly understand your dislike for having let face what is a foriegn objected inserted and left inside you.

Cancer-chick wrote:

i think ill have to weigh it all up but its a minefield

It certianly is,
I know two women for whom hormoanal contraceptive were never an option and really things everything else ( other then absenece or an IUD ) seems to be a lot more fiddly and less effective in comparison.

Cancer-chick

I think at this istage having been on various pills but mostly depo for the last 10 yrs on and off .. I myself can hear my body screaming for a break ..
I am one of the 60% of women who stop bleeding completely on Depo and i never thought i would ever say this .. but i would actually really welcome a period as a sign that my body is doing at least ONE thing that it is supposed to!

Ive been given madly differing opinions by my GP/OBGYN/ONC/ENDO
so i think at this stage im going to follow my own instincts and trust my body that it needs a break.Ive always believed in holistic medicine and i have so little opportunity to use that in my cancer treatment i think this is at least one thing i can make my own choice on ..

Under different circ's id not be bothered we got pregnant accidentally and i know we would both be delighted really but i really feel like iv a duty to my living child to see her grow up and so i have to take every precaution open to me while making sure that im not upsetting my natural hormonal balance and feeding my cancer which is very hormone receptive.

So at this stage .. not too happy with diaphram (Poor hubby not overjoyed by look on his face either )
Still looking into mirena as seems to have minimal hormonal output into body but for PCOS have been advised not to take this so its a weigh up ..
we are defo going with extra safe condoms and persona to know when im ovulating

Checked out nuvoring ..doesnt appeal much either

Nobody has said this yet .. And i know i put up the initial post but after re-reading all of your experiences and advice ..
Am i the only one who thinks that sometimes it is BLOODY hard to be a woman ..

??

dame

I know you've already said you've been given conflicting advice by various medical professionals, but at the same time they are the best people to advise on health-related issues.

Surely the best thing to do now would be to find a nice sympathetic female GP and sit down with her and go through your fears and let her suggest the appropriate options for you and your situation. She will know the facts relating to each and will be able to explain if your fears or aversions to particular suggestions (plenty made by others already) are unfounded or not. I would suggest going in there with as open a mind as you can and listening to her advice and opinions.

You've done whatever research you can yourself by now and have formed your own opinions. Now it's time to discuss these with a GP and put something into practice.

(By the way, I said female GP but of course male GP's are quite capable of dealing with contraception too. I merely suggested female because she may understand your reservations about coils etc better than a male might).

Dreamer 7

I came off depro last December and have yet to have a period. I didnt bleed at all when I got it but within 6 months i had put on 2 stone :eek:

Like other posters I want a period now to show that everything is working ok, would NEVER recommend depro to anyone

MrsA

I will be off Depo 2 years the end of this month - and I would not wish what I have been and am currently going through on anyone.
I am still not regular and I wish I had never left the stupid thing near me.
I know that is not really relevant to this discussion but, if even one person reads this thread and decided not to use Depo well then that will be a good thing.

MrsA