His and Her Health

Hi everyone I'm new here,<BR>I would like to go on the birthcontrol shot this October. My question is, in January when my b/f comes home would I be able to have sex with him w/out using a condom and be fully protected by the shot?<BR>Thanks,<BR>T<BR>

Assuming you are meaning Depo Provera, yes you would be protected. The shot is effective almost imediately. Drs recommend using back up protection for a week or two after getting the shot. The shot is good for three months and then you have to go in for another. If I remember correctly you have to be on your period to get the shot. I think this is mainly so they know you aren't pregnant but I'm not positive. Good Luck. Some people have no trouble with it but others have lots of side effects.<P>Kitten

Hi Tammi,<P>You may want to do a search on this board for 'depo provera' to see what people have said about it.<P>Good luck.

Thanks for your reply's girls. I'll be getting the shot in Sept. or Oct. so I'll see how it goes. Thanks again

Tammi,<P>You may have done so already, but if not I would like to suggest that you find out as much as you can about the shot before you get it. That way you will know in advance what the side effects are and you can decide whether you want to risk getting them or not. <P>I know the risks of side effects have to be weighed up against the risk of falling pregnant, but at least if you have all the info you can make an informed decision.<P>Good luck.

One thing you need to know, though. According to the information I have gathered (have been on the shot for a month now), you are not as well-protected within 2 weeks before you are due for your next shot. However, the shot begins to work as soon as you get it.

Tammi,<BR>I just wanted to let you know that my experience on Depo was not very good, but obviously it is not everyone's. I tried it for 6 months and bled almost as much as a period for the whole time. Just wanted to let you know my experience because I had no idea and was very bummed that it didn't work for me!! Good luck! I really hope it works for you.

Please please PLEASE research all you can about the side-effects of Depo-Provera. For every 1 person I've heard of who liked it, there are probably 50 others who had horrible side-effects, including significant weight gain, depression, bleeding, etc.: <BR>I have nothing to gain or lose if you do decide Depo is right for you, but just wanted to share what I know about it.<BR><p>[Note: This message has been edited by NEWSHE Moderator]