Depo Provera and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Kay...
• February 1, 2016

For Birth Control "I am only limited to a few options because I am on seizure meds. Before the meds, I responded very well to the pill! This is my 3rd Depo Provera shot, and I feel like a completely different person for the worse. I have no sex drive, I have panic attacks daily, my hair started falling out, I literally sit in my room depressed when I'm not working, my vision changed, I have upper back pain and neck pain, I am tired all the time. I miss the girl I used to be before this injection. My blood work is perfect, I've had several tests done. This drug is a poison, and I can't wait until March for me to decline to never get it again!"

• Col...
• September 8, 2016

For Birth Control "I just hit the 1-year mark taking the Depo shot and decided to get off of it for multiple reasons. I was bleeding the first 3 months straight I was on it, but they assured me it would go away, and it did. I had mood swings like no other, but the biggest turn-off for me was the weight gain. I gained 31 lbs over a year time frame WHILE going to the gym 3-4 times a week and eating healthy. I thought something was wrong, and so did my primary doctor, so he did blood work on me and I'm as healthy as a horse! He mentioned my birth control, and it all made so much sense. My friend and I started it around the same time, and she was 123 lbs, a year later, she gained 36 lbs and almost weighs 160 lbs. I also lost my sex drive."

• Sco...
• July 28, 2020

"Happy to be one of the few that Depo-Provera actually works for! Been on it for about 15 years, the first time for 13 years. Went on it at 17 years old because of my unbearable periods. I only get brief cramps before my next injection now. I never had side effects the first time, my skin's only been bad when I'm NOT on Depo-Provera. I also developed melasma when I went OFF of Depo. I went off it for 1.5 years, which seemed to throw everything out of whack. I've been back on it almost 2 years and had side effects this time. I gained A LOT of weight, and my sex drive? It doesn't exist. I hate to blame these on Depo though, as maybe the lack of sex drive is partially because of my weight gain. And maybe my weight gain is partially because I'm not 17 anymore? Maybe don't go back on Depo when your hormones suck lol it's hard to say, I do wish I never took that break from Depo though. All in all, 11/10, I wish it worked for more people."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 31, 2012

For Birth Control "I thought this would be a great option. Well, I was definitely wrong. I was on the patch when my parents found out I was on birth control, subsequently, they took the rest away. I went to my school clinic and received the shot the same day for free. I did not have to worry about prescriptions or about hiding my patches anymore, which was great and all. Until the first week in, I felt fine, then something just dramatically changed with me. I had no sex drive, pain during intercourse, 10 pounds of weight gain for the first two months and 5 for the third month, and spotting daily. I also had terrible mood swings and migraines. I felt depressed from the weight gain, I wasn't me anymore."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 31, 2012

For Birth Control "I thought this would be a great option. Well, I was definitely wrong. I was on the patch when my parents found out I was on birth control, subsequently, they took the rest away. I went to my school clinic and received the shot the same day for free. I did not have to worry about prescriptions or about hiding my patches anymore, which was great and all. Until the first week in, I felt fine, then something just dramatically changed with me. I had no sex drive, pain during intercourse, 10 pounds of weight gain for the first two months and 5 for the third month, and spotting daily. I also had terrible mood swings and migraines. I felt depressed from the weight gain, I wasn't me anymore."

• cie...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 25, 2018

For Birth Control "This drug is good for preventing pregnancy. But the side effects are terrible. I’m currently on my second shot, almost a month in. My first shot, I was moody as hell. I also had irregular spotting. I had even worse cramps than I had on my period before I got the shot. Pamprin and Midol didn’t even help. The second shot gives me IBS symptoms and depression. It’s like certain foods trigger diarrhea, gas, and bloating constantly. But before, I had no problem with this. I’m convinced it’s the hormones. Makes it difficult to get wet too. My sex drive is high as it’s always been, but I just can't get wet, and sex is painful. I’m not getting another shot. Can’t wait for the 13 weeks to be over!!"

• Don...
• November 6, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Got my first shot May 17, 2015, it didn't seem to make me feel funny, etc. In early July, I had my first period, the cramps were so bad I left work early. August 14, 2015, I started my period. August 18th, I got my shot, still bleeding to this day. It's been almost 3 months, and I am still bleeding. It sucks. My sex drive is completely gone. No wonder it's effective, constantly bleeding and guys disgust you lol. I do not recommend this product, but each woman is different. I'm also going to try Mirena if the bleeding ever stops."

• Don...
• January 10, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Save yourself the frustration and choose something other than the Depo shot! I've been on it since November, and I cannot wait to have this drug out of my system. I have been bleeding for three weeks straight, and it's not a regular period. It's thick and dark and just clumps of nastiness. My periods used to be light, 2-3 days long, and no cramps, so this is torture! I get random cramping, awful acne, gain weight, mood swings, and zero sex drive. Please, please do not get it!"

• Joe...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 15, 2017

For Birth Control "Let me start by saying I understand I absolutely hated this medicine. It made me gain tons of weight (60 lbs in the first 6 months), made hair grow darker on my body, caused acne, and lost every ounce of my sex drive (every single ounce). Basically, how this birth control works is by turning you into a grumpy, ugly troll (from my experience). The only good thing that came out of it was no period, and I didn't get pregnant. And speaking of periods, since I've been off this medication, I have an abnormal cycle. I will get a 2-3 warning period, then it will be gone for about a week, then the real thing will start and last another week. Didn't have that problem until after this medication, so I can only assume it is to be blamed."

• hat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 26, 2018

For Birth Control "First time ever trying any type of birth control. I made the mistake of not doing research before getting the Depo shot. While it is a convenient drug, it gave me a lot of side effects. It led me to depression and anxiety, which are two things I never felt before taking it. It also gave me night sweats, mood swings, and low libido. There were so many days when I felt so empty and dead inside. I hate the Depo shot so much. To this day, I still have depression, anxiety, low libido, and mood swings. The Depo shot doesn't work for everyone, and it's going to stay in your system for a long time."

• HIX...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 16, 2012

For Birth Control "I was less than pleased to find out that I could use only the Depo shot for birth control. I was on it before (about 6-7 years ago), and I gained weight, my hair fell out, etc. So this time around, right after the first shot, I bled (spotted) literally for 3 months straight. Every day. Also, I was very, very moody (irritable), and my sex drive tanked. Really bad. I decided to take the second shot at the last minute, and I can't be happier that I hung in there. I have not bled once since, my moods have stabilized, and my sex drive is back! Also, I was worried that I would gain weight, but believe it or not, I have lost a few lbs."

• Jka...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 1, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I haven't been on birth control in 13 years, and I decided to get the Depo last March. It's now September, and I am still bleeding. Haven't had a clean day yet. Before I got the shot, I've always had normal periods with zero complications. My sex drive disappeared completely! Never, ever get this shot, y'all!!!"

• Dep...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 12, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have been on Depo for about 7 years and am now just switching over to Kyleena (IUD). This was the best birth control for what I needed at the time. At the start, I had severe cramps and highly abnormal bleeding. This was the ultimate lifesaver! After about 6 months of abnormal bleeding (this is very common when first starting Depo), I stopped having a period altogether. I would have given this a 10 if not for the more recent side effects I started experiencing. In the last year or so, I started experiencing a steady state of feeling down/low, easily agitated/quick to anger, and low libido. After some research, I found other testimonials of people experiencing the same mood changes after being on Depo for 5+ years. Only reason I'm switching."

• Ste...
• August 22, 2016

For Birth Control "I was on Depo 14 years ago. A jerk OB-GYN gave me this birth control without informing me what it was, he just said a birth control shot. It ruined my life and was partly responsible for my divorce with my ex-husband. I only took this birth control for the first three months. I gained weight. Had psychotic thoughts about killing myself and my children. After that happened, I immediately went to my doctor for an antidepressant. Extreme fatigue. Had awful mood swings, highly emotional and angry. I felt dizzy, had hot flashes, and had migraines that were nonstop. I had weird female issues. Weird growths on my female parts, UTIs, yeast infections, blocked ducts down there, a weird skin growth. I had welt-like acne. No sex drive."

• Que...
• April 22, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 25 and have been on Depo for about 14 months, and the only good thing is no periods! But I still have cramps from time to time. Since using Depo, I have been diagnosed with anxiety and outrageous depression to the point I'm on meds. I noticed a lot of stomach pain, tingling in hands or feet, feeling nauseated when eating food, hair loss, and weight gain. Went from size 16 to 22. Always in a down mood, and it killed my sex drive. This drug is definitely not for me. Been off for 4 months now and still no sign of a period. Hopefully, it changes soon."

• Anonymous
• March 18, 2016

For Birth Control "I was happy with this birth control at first. I liked the thought of not getting my period when it went away after my second shot, but 3 years later it has been making me gain 10 lbs per year. I was about 130 when I started it, I am now almost 200, and the longer I have been on it, the more of an increase in pounds per year I am noticing. It's been decreasing my sex drive lately and also occasionally makes me moody."

• Okc...
• October 13, 2017

For Birth Control "I hate the depo. It completely took away my sex drive, so the shot is pointless anyway when I’m not sexually active. I’ve also been on my period/spotting for 7 weeks. This shot is miserable, I can’t wait for it to be out of my system. The negative side effects seem to affect more people than the positive! I highly recommend getting another form of birth control. I wish this didn’t even exist."

• Anonymous
• November 12, 2011

For Birth Control "I'm a person who constantly forgets to take her birth control pill. So I thought all of the side effects would be canceled out by not having to remember to take them. I was wrong. Within the first month, I had literally NO sex drive. Within the second month, I became INSANE. The mood changes had me crying daily and arguing with everyone around me. I also started a light period that lasted for the next two months off and on. The worst part about it was that when I decided not to get the shot again, the side effects lasted for at least another 6 months or more. Plus, I ended up gaining (within the three-month period) about 30 pounds. Worse decision I ever made. My gyno tried to warn me about it, but I didn't listen. Seriously consider the pros and cons of this."

• Mon...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 15, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have a huge fibroid that grew really fast (10 cm), in tow causing heavy month-long periods with large clots to the point I almost needed a blood transfusion twice. I'm still anemic. Tried birth control for five months, and it made things worse. I practically hemorrhaged constantly when it would start wearing off. Then I tried Depo. I didn't have a period for two months (yay), then after my second shot in December, I started bleeding, even heavier, with larger hand-sized clots. It's now May, and the bleeding has not stopped, so now combined with my fibroid not shrinking and severe pain in my uterus, I have to have a hysterectomy next month. They can't stop the bleeding. No sex drive, severe mood swings, hyper and tired at the same time, no depression though. Waiting on a biopsy so I can have surgery now. This shot didn't work for me and just made everything worse. When I bleed heavy, I soak a super plus tampon in five minutes flat. I don't recommend this shot."

• CAI...
• November 3, 2009

For Birth Control "Well, I've been on Depo for almost 8 years now, and the only benefit is I have no 'that time of the month,' but I've had major weight gain, no sex drive, and I break out more than I have when I was in high school! It's a good birth control, but this last shot I had is my last. Not good for my health, you would have to try it yourself and see if anything happens to you. I suggest watching it closely."

• Sky...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 16, 2019

For Birth Control "I used the shot for just over a year, and I really liked it. My period stopped as soon as I got the first shot and never came back until I had been off the shot for 5-6 months. I did gain 30 lbs, but it was my freshman year of college, so other factors definitely contributed. One other side effect I had a problem with was a dramatic decrease in my sex drive. I never wanted to have sex or even thought about it, which sucked! Overall, though, I loved the shot and would still be using it if it hadn't been for the decreased sex drive."

• Kal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 19, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got my first and only shot on September 27, 2016. Until November, I had little to no bleeding every now and then, but once November came, I started bleeding heavy, about three to four pads a day, cramps, nausea, and loss of sex drive. I expected all of those, but not to bleed for three months straight. It was so bad I went to the hospital, and they first diagnosed me with pelvic inflammatory but realized I had no evidence of infection and that my fallopian tubes were swollen. They sent me home with meds, and to this day I still haven't stopped bleeding. I've been off Depo for a month, and I've never been in so much pain."

• Kik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 22, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I'm 31, and this was my first time getting the Depo shot. I had a period for 2 weeks, light flow, the first month, and continued to have periods the following months, each lasting 5-7 days. It killed my sex drive, and now, with the drug completely out of my system, I am having another period, and my last period ended less than a week ago. I don't recommend using the Depo shot."

• amy...
• February 23, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been on Depo for 2 years and haven't had a period since going on this, just the odd spot here and there before my next injection is due... but that's about the only good point for me. I'm currently waiting to be seen by a gynecologist due to suffering constant pain during sex and no sex drive at all! Which I believe is down to the Depo. Like others have said, I've noticed weight gain too whilst on this, as well as joint pains. One more good point: I used to have very bad skin, but this seems to have cleared right up too since being on this, so worth a try, everyone's different!"

• Not...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 9, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on Depo for about a year, and at first, I absolutely loved it. No periods and no noticeable side effects at first. However, I started noticing frequent mood swings and often feelings depressed. On top of that, I have also had painful intercourse, and my OBGYN says this is because of decreased estrogen levels, which cause women to be less 'wet'-which she said is very likely to be caused by the shot. I've also had serious trouble losing weight since I've been on the shot. Don't do it!!"