I had my first DMPA Shot

Last year, January 2008, I asked my Obgyne what other option I can use as contraceptive. Boyfriend and I don’t want to use condom anymore (you know, hehe). Aside from it being sticky, I think it causes irritation on me which leads to UTI.

After my scheduled papsmear (2008) and vaginal ultrasound, they found a small 5mm myoma in my right ovary. Doctor said it’s not dangerous because it is small, but it’s better to remove it, and using DMPA will help it be washed away. After more than a year of thinking (and research), boyfriend and I gave it a shot.

MY DMPA Schedule Card

DMPA (DepoMedroxyprogesterone Acetate) shots should be given in the first 5 days of your menstrual period. I had my mens on Friday, but during my first days, I experience dysmenorrhea so I wasn’t able to stand long enough to bring myself to the clinic. Besides the clinic was closed on that Good Friday. Came Monday, my fourth day, I still procrastinated. I had cramps and my UTI acted up again. So, the 5th day (Tuesday) I really have to take it.. no more excuses.

My obgyne is on her vacation leave so I met up with her reliever. I am ‘relieved’ because she’s as solemn and soft-spoken as much OB. Coincidentally, my mens was not normal because my usual period lasts up to 7 days. But when she checked up my opening, there’s no trace of blood whatsoever. So before the doctor gave the permit for the DMPA shot, she asked me to take a Pregnancy Test just to make sure I’m not pregnant.

The nurse was the one who gave me the DMPA shot. How I hate needles. lol

What are the Advantages of DMPA?

1. inexpensive
2. highly effective
3. long acting
4. no harm to breastmilk
5. lessens the risk to ovarian and endometrial cancer and uterine fibroids

Firstly, they say it’s inexpensive compared to other contraceptives. Other contraceptions available are Ligation (surgery) and IUD. Diane 35 pills cost PHP500 for I think 28 tablets to be taken everyday. DMPA would cost PHP500 in 90 days (3 months). That’s about  6Php per day compared to 18PHP per day of Diane 35 pill.

My first contraceptive was Trust Pills and that cost 1PHP a day. It left me with lots of side effects.

Taking contraceptive pills is a huge responsibility and requires proper knowledge. For someone like me who misses eating meals and taking my daily vitamin supplements in time, taking the pill on time is apparently a hard task. You cannot just take the pills if you want to. The pills are numbered and it is very important you won’t miss taking it, otherwise you’ll get pregnant instantly. (According to research women are more likely to be fertile after they stop taking the pill).

Just like other contraception, DMPA is 97-99% effective if used properly. An acquaintance has been using DMPA for a year now and she is still unpregnant.

If you decided to stop using DMPA, you can get fertile again after 6-12 months.

Disadvantages of DMPA

1. Amenorrhea or spotting for a long time
2. No guard against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases
3. Decreased bone mineral density (can lead to Osteoperosis)
4. other side effects: headaches, nervousness, mood changes, bloating, hot flashes, decreased interest in sex, breast tenderness, acne, hair loss, and back ache.
5. weight gain

If you’re not having your regular period, how would you know you’re not pregnant? So does this mean I had to take Pregnancy Tests everytime I feel like I am pregnant or what. If heavy bleeding, then I will be needing lots of napkins or tampons(not that I have used one)? .. Not inexpensive at all.

DMPA cannot protect you from STDs so better have your partner medically checked first before you do it. ^^v

One way to support your decreasing bone density is to exercise - cardio and weight lifting. I better start working out now. Gaining weight is not a disadvantage for me. Some who used contraceptive pills did gain weight, but during my use of the pill, I didn’t gain any. So, I hope DMPA will help me gain some. ^^

Right after the shot, my upper right thigh felt heavy (that’s where I had my shot). After a few hours I feel so weak, the same feeling when I have my PMS (pre menstrual syndrome). I felt so sleepy.

Anyway, I’ll be updating what other experiences I will have with my new contraceptive on the next coming days or weeks. I hope some of the side effects won’t be visible like the acne or the decreased interest in sex. lol

Please note that this is according to some of my experiences and some friends’. Side effects vary. I would appreciate it if you’ll share your experiences too.

Tagged as: contraception, DMPA, dysmenorrhea, UTI