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3.6 Overall Rating

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Ease of Use

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Most voted positive review

9 People found this comment helpful

I got my first Depo Shot six weeks after my son was born. That was 14 years ago. I love not having to try to remember to take a pill and not having a priod. I go every three months and get my injection, I have even bought my own and had my husband do it at home. Absolutely no problems. I gained a little weight, but I am losing it slowly (5 lbs a year) I had a bone density test and I have the bone ...

Most voted negative review

5 People found this comment helpful

DO NOT GET THE SHOT!!! I got it a week ago and not even 7 hrs later I began experiencing stiffness and pain in the joints of my hands and arms. About 1:30 in the morning I woke my husband up crying because I litterally could not move! The weight of the sheets on my upper body was causing extreme pain! I couldn't lift my head off the pillow or roll over on to my side. It took us close to 20 minutes...

Shared reviews and ratings

Sarah | 19-24 | Female | On medication for 6 months to less than 1 year | Patient
3/14/2024
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 4.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I started the Depo-Shot at 19 years old and weighed 145lbs during October 2022. By July 2023, I weighed a solid 165. That is my only issue with this form of birth control is the weight gain. Other than that, it fixed my acne, prevented pregnancy, and was so easy to use. I would have no period for 3 months but then have a long, heavy period on the 4th month when it was time to get the shot again. I didn’t quite mind that though. Again, it’s great but the weight gain is inevitable.

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Anonymous | 19-24 | Female |
2/18/2024
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 3.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

Dont do this form of birth control. I gained 40 pounds after a year despite having the same eating/exercise habits as before taking the shot, and losing the weight was incredibly difficult. My joints were very stiff and my wrists felt as if I had arthritis. Only upside was no periods at all

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AQuinones87 | 35-44 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
2/15/2024
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I was very nervous about using this.. i had lost 70lbs a couple years back, had a child and busted my ass to do it again after the weight gain. So after reading about weight gain i was super scared. Im now on my second shot and so far so good. Tbh i think ive done better with keeping weight off but i think thats more my mindset than the shot. I have had spotting a few times but not an actual full on period but ill get the period feeling still where ill feel bloated and wanna devour everything in site on top of a few pimples appearing but it ends with the spotting. My period has always been irregular, id go months without one and then sometimes ill get it twice in a month. So switching to this has been great so far! Read More Read Less

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Abigail | 13-18 | Female | On medication for 1 to less than 2 years | Patient
12/8/2023
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 2.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I understand that everyone's body and chemistry reacts differently but I just have to share the awful things this shot did, I gained about 40lbs over about 1 year of taking this shot. I have ibs and it was making it worse, I would have spotting for like 2-3 weeks at a time then I'd not get a period for 2 months til my next shot. It was such an awful experience, I had acne breakouts too, I've now switched to the pill which mad me nauseous for 2 months but now it's great and no side effects, I've lost 20lbs since getting off of the shot. With moderate exercise. Oddly I also had extremely bad stretch marks and it caused some other skin issues. The stretch marks went away 1 month after getting off the shot. Before I even lost the weight. Even though it works and was easy the side affects it did to me were so awful, I want to mention that I also had terrible mental health and had insane mood swings. Read More Read Less

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chris | 25-34 | Female | On medication for 2 to less than 5 years | Patient
11/29/2023
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 2.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I got pregnant while being on the shot, I bled non-stop until I finally decided to stop the shot. I gained soooo much weight as well. Now I'm on the patch and the patch made me stop bleeding, even when I got my period with the week off it wasn't too heavy and I would cramp just for a day. My bones would hurt bad with the Provera shot, it was just so easy for me because it was every 3 months and a shot. Everyones body is different, im actually stopping to patch because it comes off a lot and its not safe. Im trying the implant next and im not sure how my body will react to it :/ As woman we are so strong !! the fact that we have to be on birth control and deal with the side effects of body aches, bleeding for months, mood swings, and etc.. i wish it was different and men had to take birth control lol since we birth the kids. Read More Read Less

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Nichole | 25-34 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
11/20/2023
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 1.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

DO NOT GET THIS SHOT!!! I decided to get the Depo-Provera shot for BC after the birth of our 3rd child. Worst mistake! I gained weight and was the heaviest I had ever been. It nearly destroyed my family by wrecking me emotionally. Worst of all it caused me infertility!! I discontinued use after only 2 shots but it was too late. I had been able to get pregnant and have perfectly healthy babies before the shot, with no problem. After the shots, our nightmares began. I did end up getting pregnant, but our baby girl was diagnosed with Turner’s syndrome a few months into my pregnancy. This was a fluke my Dr. said as our other 3 children never had an issue. At 6mo of pregnancy I gave birth to our still-born baby girl. It was devastating beyond words! About a year after that we got pregnant again only to miscarry a few weeks in. I did not get pregnant again for 4 straight years until finally we got a positive test!!!!! I gave birth to our perfect, HEALTHY, LIVING, baby boy!!!! I haven’t been able to get pregnant again since, and it’s been 2yrs. I attribute all of these issues and losses to THIS SHOT! However, there is hope and it is possible to experience the blessing of a positive pregnancy test and birth of a precious little life. To ANYONE experiencing trouble getting pregnant after the Depo Shot, KEEP HOPE! HANG IN THERE! IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN! Read More Read Less

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Bb caudill | 25-34 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
11/18/2023
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I love it have been on it for yrs and never had a period..that's all I wanted I do have depression but I had it before so can't blame it on that along with other symptoms but there was a chance it was before the shot ...but I love it and will not stop even with the bone deficiency cuz I lost my hip yrs back but not having to bleed every month

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Anonymous | 45-54 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
11/3/2023
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 2.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

This medication made me bleed for six months straight. I also gained a fair amount of weight, it was like constant PMS cravings for the whole first month. I have finally stopped bleeding and am experiencing strong PMS symptoms. That is the only positive of the Depo-Provera shot, it dulled my emotions. Now, I'm feeling again and it sucks. I will never, ever take it again. Horrible experience.

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Katy | 13-18 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
9/14/2023
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 1.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I was 17 and only had one shot after a pregnancy scare. After I received the shot, I immediately endured painful cramps a couple of days later. I couldn't focus at school and it was so painful that the nurse said that she could see the pain in my eyes. I bled for three months straight. My doctor at the time relayed that some girls don't get periods for three months. She said this as if it was a pro. I could tell that, that didn't sound good. Turns out I was right. Listen to your gut ladies! Refused to get a second shot. Read More Read Less

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Dietra M. | 35-44 | Female | On medication for 6 months to less than 1 year | Patient
8/13/2023
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 1.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

My experience with this birth control has been a nightmare. I have been minstrel cycling for five months. The drugs/2/drug-53357-7120/depo-provera-contraceptive-intramuscular should be ashamed of their selves for even putting this on the market for women as a contraceptive. Not only have I been bleeding for five months I have gained excessive amount of weight, and I am very healthy and well. There should be a lawsuit against this drug company because it does more harm than good.

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Anonymous | 35-44 | Female | Patient
4/11/2023
Condition: Other
Overall rating 2.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I've been on it for two months and have constant light spotting. It seems like the spotting has no intention of stopping. I don't like it.

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Maia | 19-24 | Female | On medication for 1 to less than 2 years | Patient
9/21/2022
Condition: Endometriosis
Overall rating 3.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I started the depo injection due to heavy periods and insane cramping which had me bed bound every month without fail. The injection has completely taken away the heavy periods and insane cramping, which I have found other forms of contraception did not achieve. However, after about a year and 2 month of receiving the injection I have severe cystic acne, causing me pain and overall dissatisfaction with my confidence. Weight gain has been something I have also suffered with, I feel hungry all of the time and something I have never suffered with. I am going to come off the injection following these symptoms, as well as anxiety and depression, however, despite these symptoms the injection has done the job in terms of controlling my pain every month. I am now on the hunt to find something that is going to prevent heavy cramps, acne and weight gain. Read More Read Less

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Anonymous | 19-24 | Female | On medication for 1 to less than 2 years | Patient
1/10/2022
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 4.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I started this form of birth control after the birth of my second child. I bled for the first 6 months it wasn’t all so good. And then it turned to a brown that was constantly there which smelt really bad. That was probably the last 2 months of the bleeding I mentioned. After that my periods had stopped completely and I loved that. It was so convenient and I didn’t have to worry about anything. After the first year, that’s when the weight began to come on. I gained 15 pounds after the 1st year. I loved the weight though because I was always so small. Like 115 pounds. But then it began to go all to my stomach and that’s when I knew I had to quit this. My bones were getting weak, I was weak in general, my stomach was gaining all the weight. Probably water retention I don’t know. It was like a love / hate relationship with the depo honestly. It worked for me 100% but made me miserable. After I quit it took about 4 months for my first period to return and the period wasn’t Normal it was more lighter. Read More Read Less

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Petunia | 19-24 | Nonbinary | On medication for 1 to less than 2 years | Patient
12/12/2021
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 4.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I have been on the shot for 1 year 5months now.. Honestly speaking when started I experienced a lot of problems.. Prolonged periods, spotting time to time..back pain even now I still experience the back pain... Above it all I can't really complain about it no weight gain so far... It's effective cause me and my boyfriend we no longer use protection... I love it..

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DEMON SHOT!! | 19-24 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
12/3/2021
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 1.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I just got the stupid shot less than a month ago & I am freaking miserable!!!!! I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND this! I keep having severe pain in my pelvis, back, and stomach, like more consistent and severe than I've ever had!! & Once you get the shot however it's going to effect you, you have to deal with for the next three months! I literally cry and scream in pain bc of this devil shot! Seriously would not recommend! The pain is so awful!!!

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Jacky | 45-54 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
5/17/2021
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 2.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

The first shot I got, I only experienced bloated stomach issues. Fast forward 3 months later for 2nd shot. I started getting the worst anxiety. And right chest pain and tightness. I tried to ignore it and just thought I needed more potassium. It got so bad and almost daily where I had to go to Er and make.sure I was ok. Thank God ,I was. Just suffering adverse side effects from it. I do not recommend it at all. No matter your age. Take the pill ,atleast you can discontinue that. I prayed for 1 month so it would leave my system. And still wonder why ! Do they have this option of birth control. It's horrible. Read More Read Less

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TJ | 55-64 | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
3/31/2021
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 3.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

As a Navy wife, the clinic almost forced me to take this shot after having my daughter. My daughter is 26 years old and my healthy metabolism has still not returned! I am an athlete and active person trapped in a body that wonâ??t stop storing fat!! I have 1/2 stomach, had liposuction, and lost over 50 pounds 3 times since that shot. My metabolism has not been the same since I took that shot. Iâ??m now suffering from thyroid issues, which I believe is directly linked. Use an IUD instead of this dangerous drug. Read More Read Less

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Anonymous | Female | On medication for 5 to less than 10 years |
10/10/2020
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 1.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I am writing this review in hopes that at least one woman reading this will heed my advice. Do NOT take this birth control. I was on this for about 6 years( no symtpoms during, and the effectiveness did work). I was not informed through planned parenthood of the negative side effects after discontinuing this birth control. I am 1 year and 7 months from my last shot. I have had constant spotting with two full periods a month. With that being said..it is pretty much a constant feeling of either on my period, or about to start. I have insane moods swings, horrible breast tenderness, cystic acne(never even had that as a teenager), and then I started developing issues with my joints, eyelid proptosis, extreme fatigue. I just got a new diagnosis of Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease... borderline Lupus. I am absolutely convinced that Depo has contributed to this. It is not in my family history, nor did any of this start until the horrible post discontinuation Depo symptoms. This medication should be taken off the market. I believe in due time it will be, but for the mean time.. Try another birth control. I have been on others before that have no affects during or after. Whatever you decide. Please research first. I don't believe I was informed of the long term effects of this medication... other than possibility of bone mineral lose(which I took calcium/vitamin D the entirety of my treatment time). I assumed that if a provider was able to prescribe it, that they must be divulging the whole picture..I could go on for hours on the negatives of this birth control. DO NOT TAKE THIS.Read More Read Less

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savystar | 19-24 | On medication for 6 months to less than 1 year | Patient
8/17/2020
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 3.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I have been on the shot for going on 8 months, after 3 applications almost 4 next months, thereâ??s more bad then good to say. Yes pregnancy has been prevented but I feel side defects have made me unhappy with my choice. I always had a fast metabolism my whole life, and Iâ??ve gained 20 lbs since beginning! My sex drive has completely disappeared and itâ??s taken a tole on me and my relationship. Gratefully my partner understands... Mood swings and frequent headaches. Skip a period every other month, and when I do get a cycle itâ??s irregular timing. I may get off of it as I feel itâ??s done more bad then good... Read More Read Less

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burntmilk | 13-18 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
7/2/2020
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 2.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I am 16 and decided to go on the depo to fix some very painful and nauseating periods, as well as contraception. I had it in January. I am still bleeding because of it today. Everything was okay for about a month, and then I got some spotting. I was fine with that as I thought it would stop after a little bit... boy was I wrong... the spotting turned into bleeding. I have been getting increasingly depressed and insecure due to the bleeding. Finally, my dad called the nurse and she prescribed me Tranexamic Acid and I finished a 4 day course on Monday, which did decrease the amount I was bleeding. I am now having a regular period, which the nurse said would happen. If after 7 days it doesn't stop, I have to get a scan to make sure everything is okay. If you are in the same position as me, then try and get whatever meds you can to stop this as it is horrid and can go on for up to 2 years after the injection wears off. If you are deciding, do NOT get this injection. It is not worth the risk if it doesn't agree with you. Good luck <3Read More Read Less

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