Depo Provera for Birth Control User Reviews

• Gla...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 1, 2020

"I only see the negative side effects of Depo-Provera being listed. Well, I started the Depo mid-last year (2019) and so far, so good. I haven't had any challenges or side effects while on it. Before the injection, I used to bleed heavily with painful cramps, but since I started this, no cramps with lighter bleeding that lasts for up to 3 days. Mind you, before I used to bleed for seven days. I think it's all about one's body. Just because it failed on you doesn't mean it will fail on another person, people are different."

• ARS...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 18, 2021

"The Depo is the worst thing I have ever put in my body. Ladies, please reconsider before using this. Along with so many physical symptoms (nausea, acne, fatigue, heartburn, bloating, cramps, bleeding constantly), the emotional symptoms are very prominent and worse than the physical ones. I believe this drug is destroying my relationship, I have no interest in sex or physical touch, I’m irritable all the time, depressed, and have a constant feeling of emptiness that was not there before the Depo. My personality and mood took a full 180 on the Depo. I am not going back in for my next injection. Something to also note is that the FDA is trying to pull this drug off the shelves. Please, if you’re considering the Depo, do your research! I wish that I did."

• Cha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 20, 2021

"Took this in October. Started bleeding at the start of November and still consistently bleeding now 7 months later. Only took one injection. I gained weight everywhere even though I'm active and healthy, lost my sex drive, which has always been very high. Nausea every day to the point of throwing up. Insomnia for weeks on end. Raging emotions, sad and crying one minute, angry and shouting the next. Hot flashes, blurry vision, throbbing headaches, and joint pain. I was not told any side effects in the clinic, only that it stops periods and lessens cramps. I wish I was given a leaflet to make an informed decision. 7 months later and I'm losing weight slowly, sleeping better, and had been having sex occasionally, but it's a bloody mess and hit and miss if I climax at all. I just want the period to end. I would recommend ginseng as a mood booster and evening primrose oil to regulate your hormones. These brought back my libido a bit and made me less suicidal. Never again!!!!!"

• Sup...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 1, 2020

"I do not recommend this at all! It is effective at preventing pregnancy, but the side effects for me are not worth it at all. I have been on it for about 2 months now, and I am suffering every day. Before the shot, everything was fine with me, but about 2-3 weeks after I got it, I started getting terrible stomach pains, headaches, bad acne on my back, which I've never had before, and before the shot, I've never gotten a UTI, but since I got it, I'm constantly getting painful recurring UTIs no matter how much water I drink. I even had to go on antibiotics twice, and they came back. My sex drive is so low now because when I have sex, I am in so much pain, and I know I don’t have diseases, infections, etc. because my doctors even did tests, and they all came back negative. This is just the absolute worst thing I have ever done! I would rather get pregnant 10 times than get this shot again!"

• Kin...
• July 14, 2019

"Please do not use this horrible injection. As a medical scientist, I cannot believe how Depo-Provera passed the human trials and is on the market despite all the life-threatening side effects. I was hospitalized twice with severe bloating and kidney pain. It caused water retention (edema) all over my body, feet, legs, face, and abdomen! Constant dizziness, nausea, and cramps to the point that I can't function at work or home. This injection should not be on the market! It really ruined my life and I don't want anyone else to experience this. The FDA has a website where you can report all the adverse side effects of any medication, and it encourages people to report by either calling them or submitting an online form. Please, whoever reads this, if you have issues with Depo, go now to the FDA's website and complain about the horrible side effects you have experienced. The FDA will investigate the safety of this drug and potentially retract it from the market! It is our human right to safe medication, and this drug violates that right."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 21, 2020

"I have been on this drug close to two months, and I haven't stopped bleeding. I was prescribed a medication to stop the bleeding, and it didn't work. I wish there was a way to get this drug out of my system now."

• Vic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 1, 2019

"I would rate this drug 0 out of 10 if possible. Yes, it helped with my periods (I didn’t have them, just a bit of spotting), and I didn’t get pregnant! I had my second shot two months ago, and I won’t be going for a third. I am EXTREMELY moody, depressed, anxious/nervous, and I always feel on edge. I have also been getting paranoid about my relationship. Has anyone else experienced paranoia on this injection? Definitely do NOT recommend!!!!!"

• Eri...
• March 22, 2013

"I've been on Depo Provera for about a month now, and I absolutely love it! I haven't had ANY bleeding, no cramps, no headaches or dizziness, no mood swings, no swollen or tender breasts, no weight gain, nothing! I still have a sex drive and I feel perfectly normal. Most people with good side effects don't think to share their experience, so remember that everyone's body is different and your experience might be like mine!"

• Anonymous
• April 12, 2009

"I had nothing but negative effects from the Depo shot that are continuing even after the duration of action of the Depo. I am now experiencing terrible migraines (I rarely, if ever had even minor headaches). They have been occurring multiple times per day including nausea and diarrhea. I experienced these same symptoms for the first time after I received my first shot. I also experienced neck stiffness, severe mood swings, bouts of depression that seemed to arrive from nowhere, no sex drive whatsoever, and worst of all menstrual bleeding for an entire month straight which was only counteracted by a high dosage of birth control pills."

• Vio...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 2, 2015

"Everyone I talk to seems to have had different experiences with Depo. For me, it has been a perfect experience, but my sister had a horrible time with it. I had very light spotting after the first shot during what should have been my monthly period, and since then have had absolutely no period or spotting. My weight has remained at a constant level the entire 4 years that I've been taking it, and I haven't experienced mood swings, hair loss, or any of the other common symptoms. My doctor warned me that the shot could make my migraines worse, but I haven't noticed any difference in prevalence or severity. Everyone's body reacts differently, but it is definitely worth trying. I love this form of contraception - no periods and no babies!"

• Sha...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 3, 2020

"For the last 3 months, I've been nonstop bleeding. My hormones are way out of whack, and it's making me want to literally do anything to stop the bleeding. This drug also made me gain close to 100 lbs in 2 years. Before this drug, I was a size 2. Now a 16..."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 6, 2020

"This birth control, Depo-Provera, is the worst birth control ever made. Don't get it - it will mess you up. I bled every single day for months, and good birth control doesn't make you bleed every day heavily, so you can't have sex anyway. Think about your options, don't choose Depo-Provera, it's awful."

• Diz...
• December 19, 2020

"I am now 34 and getting really, really fed up with contraception. I’ve had my kids and I’ve tried them all. Each one seems to have these nasty side effects for me. I feel us women have to go through the mill with all these awful side effects. Some women won’t even know it’s because of contraception and end up so confused because most healthcare professionals will tell you it’s not the contraception that is causing the problem. My husband is now getting the snip. I’ve told him enough is enough. Men should take more responsibility. I’ve been doing it for 20 years now. Anyway! The depo. I stupidly decided to get it whilst my husband waits for the snip. So week 1: banging headaches. Piercing side headaches - paracetamol and ibuprofen wouldn’t even work. Week 2 - backache. Terrible backache. Ended up going to physiotherapist. Week 3 - joint pain all over. Week 4 - weight gain. Week 5 - thrush. Week 6 - depression. I am now on week 7 and I just want this all over."

• Nic...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 9, 2020

"When I first got the shot, I bled for a month straight. This is pretty normal. Then I didn’t have a period for the duration of my time on the shot. However, I kept starting and stopping. Don’t do this or else your body will have to start all over again. Like if you stop and start, your body will have to go through the cycle, and you might go through the bleeding or spotting for a month or so. But after my third start over, I just didn’t bleed anymore during the adjustment period. I was on Depo for around 2.5 years, and I got paranoid that maybe I might become infertile. That’s a risk for almost every medication, though. I’m currently off the shot. It took 6 months for my period to come back after I stopped the shot cycle for good, which is what actually scared me the most about me being infertile even more. But 10/10 pregnancy prevention for me. This baby was like metal armor for me. I am hoping to get back on it soon."

• sau...
• June 8, 2009

"It started off great for the first month. But then by the second month, my period became a monster. It lasted for so long and started on a very random day that wasn't even close to my regular period cycle date. Also, I'm on an emotional rollercoaster ride and almost constantly angry at something or someone. I don't like this at all."

• Ang...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 7, 2020

"On 9/13/19, the nurse gave me the 1st Depo shot, but she didn't say anything about the side effects. I spotted until 1 week before Thanksgiving. Then I bled every other day. I gained a few pounds, had no sex drive, experienced vaginal dryness, and had some strong cramps. On 12/29/19, I went to the ER, and the doctor said Depo is making me bleed, and it should stop within a couple of months. After that day, I bled heavier every day, and I was getting tired of it. I went online to see reviews about this, and I discovered a remedy. I took two 1300 mg Evening Primrose oil capsules each day, and on the 5th day, my bleeding stopped. The FDA should never approve this shot. I hope one day the FDA will take this off the market. No lady should suffer like this after taking a medicine that should help them."

• Sky...
• May 14, 2021

"I do not recommend Depo injection! I thought getting on it was going to help my period issues, also the fact I was told I had endometriosis (which turns out I don't). When I got on it, I was fine for the first month and loved not having a period or the pain that came with it. By the second month, my moods started to change and I got very mean and aggressive towards people and anything they said. By the third month, I was a total train wreck! I would cry constantly, and I fought with literally anyone and everyone! I decided to get off Depo for the greater good of relationships with my family and my boyfriend. I thought getting off it was going to be a problem solver, but I got off it and it got worse! Multiply the other issues I talked about by 10! Which now also includes cramps, terrible emotional problems and thoughts, questioning my relationship (it comes in waves-I love him tremendously, and then my brain goes, do you?), and more, unfortunately. Please read reviews before getting on Depo!!"

• Sta...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 11, 2019

"This has ruined my life. Took my Depo-Provera first shot on April 12th, 2019, and being on it, I have massive mood swings, memory loss, headaches. I used to have 2 jobs and now have no desire to work. I used to be a very, very driven woman, and now I don't even want to leave my house/bed. I would never recommend this to anyone. I have never been in such a dark place in my life and have constant thoughts of death. My sex drive is gone, and my relationship is in danger, and so are my jobs. This makes me feel bad, evil, horrible, nonstop. It's hard to smile, laugh, or have any joy at all. Please do not take this medication ever. It is just not worth it."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 21, 2020

"I was weighing about 130 lb in December 2019 when I got my first Depo-Provera shot. I gained 50 pounds, and it's August 2020! I weigh 180 lb now. I have so many stretch marks on my legs. I wouldn't recommend at all. I have so much spotting randomly. I have nightmares almost every night. -100/10"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 7, 2015

"It's very effective, I give it that. I didn't get pregnant. I've been on this birth control for 6 months, and I've gained 40 lbs. Yes... 40!!! I ate healthy and exercised every day. I do not recommend if you want to keep your figure or plan to lose weight."

• Sad...
• September 24, 2014

"I'm 15 years old. I'm a sophomore in high school. I started taking the Depo-Provera shot around my freshman year. It actually hasn't given me any bad side effects besides loss of hair, I haven't lost a lot of hair, and mood swings. My freshman year I weighed 155 and now I weigh 119. I'm 5'3" and haven't gained a pound from this shot yet. I hate shots, but it's definitely worth taking for having no period. I haven't experienced depression or any of the other side effects except the ones listed above. But not everyone is the same. I would recommend talking to your doctor about it before jumping into taking it!"

• Anonymous
• August 6, 2020

"I’ve been on the Depo-Provera shot going on 9 months, and so far I love it because I have absolutely no periods and only spotted maybe once or twice for a few hours, and that’s it. I haven’t gained much weight, even if I did. I was weighing around 115 when I was active, but since college and not being active, I’m up to 120. I cramp every now and then, but mostly when it’s almost time for my next shot! I’ve heard some bad things about it, though, so not sure how long I’m going to keep doing it, but so far I love it!!"

• Sha...
• December 18, 2014

"I've just gotten the second shot today, and I must say I love it. I haven't had my period, had the tiniest bit of spotting. I still get cramps when I'm due for my period, but nothing else. I have also not gotten pregnant at all. Probably the best decision I ever made."

• Col...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 13, 2014

"I started this birth control at 145 lbs, 5'3'', so I was already a little heavy, but I was working out and eating healthy to keep losing weight. The first shot seemed fine. By the second shot, I gained 5 lbs, which I thought was odd, but the doctor said it was normal. I then started becoming very depressed and spent most of my days sleeping or in bed. I gained another 10 lbs when it was time for the third shot. The third shot made me gain 25 more lbs, where I was at 185. I always ate relatively healthy and went to the gym. I decided not to take the fourth shot. It's been about a month past when I was supposed to take the fourth shot, and I'm finally starting to lose weight. I'm at 175 now and still have a long way to go."

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 30, 2023

"I first had my shot on 9/28/2022. I was told there were no side effects, so I went along with it and was all good for the next 3 months. When I was due for my second shot, I was a week late because I was experiencing chest pains and weird visions, so I went to the emergency room. The doctors did blood work and X-rays, and everything was normal. The doctor diagnosed me with anxiety. Never have I ever experienced anxiety in my life. I didn’t think much of it, I went and had my second shot. This is when shit hit the roof. 1-2 weeks later, I experienced dizziness, fatigue, anxiety, panic attacks, breathlessness, body aches, tiredness, irritability, vision changes, and a weird feeling like I'm going to die are some of the symptoms I've experienced. The worst of them all was severe, extreme, ongoing chest pains! I was diagnosed with Costochondritis and have had to have numerous tests to check my heart is all well. I’ve been in pain these whole 3 months and still am in pain. Has anyone experienced chest pain while taking this?"