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How To Switch From Depo Shots To Birth Control Pills?
Question: Hello. My wife has been on the Depo shot for 4 years. She is due for another injection of the depo this week. We both want to get her off the shot and on to a pill. Our question is: if she gets on the pill will it help her have periods faster? we are not looking to try to have kids for another 6 months to a year and don't want to risk getting pregnant in that time frame but want her to get closer to being normal so when we are ready, we can try.
we definatly do not want to get pregnant right now or within the next 6-8 months
we definatly do not want to get pregnant right now or within the next 6-8 months
Brief Answer:
Getting on the pill now is a great idea!
Detailed Answer:
The depo shot is a great form of birth control. The problem with it, though, is that it is associated with irregular cycles and lower fertility rates in the months after coming off of the shot. This is because her cycle will remain irregular while the full effect of the shot wears off. I think that in anticipation of getting pregnancy in about 6-8 months, the birth control pill is an excellent way to regulate her cycle. Here is what I would have a patient do:
1. Do not get the next depo shot
2. Start the birth control pills on this coming Sunday night
3. She will get a period on the fourth week of the pill packs
4. One month before attempts at conception, stop the pills
5. The depo shot effect should be gone within 6 months
6. The pill WILL regulate her cycle in the meantime
I hope that this helps - Let me know !
Dr. Tim
Getting on the pill now is a great idea!
Detailed Answer:
The depo shot is a great form of birth control. The problem with it, though, is that it is associated with irregular cycles and lower fertility rates in the months after coming off of the shot. This is because her cycle will remain irregular while the full effect of the shot wears off. I think that in anticipation of getting pregnancy in about 6-8 months, the birth control pill is an excellent way to regulate her cycle. Here is what I would have a patient do:
1. Do not get the next depo shot
2. Start the birth control pills on this coming Sunday night
3. She will get a period on the fourth week of the pill packs
4. One month before attempts at conception, stop the pills
5. The depo shot effect should be gone within 6 months
6. The pill WILL regulate her cycle in the meantime
I hope that this helps - Let me know !
Dr. Tim
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
she cant go back to her OBGYN until the 12th of may will that make a difference?
Brief Answer:
Probably not...
Detailed Answer:
But, I would call and ask for a one month prescription for a birth control pill so that she can start right away. The longer she waits, the more likely she will have breakthrough bleeding as the depo shot wears off.
Dr. Tim
Probably not...
Detailed Answer:
But, I would call and ask for a one month prescription for a birth control pill so that she can start right away. The longer she waits, the more likely she will have breakthrough bleeding as the depo shot wears off.
Dr. Tim
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Thanks doc, one last question.. if she were to break through bleeding does that mean she cant take the pill to help regulate?
Brief Answer:
That is correct
Detailed Answer:
First of all, I am sorry about the delay.
I would tell a patient to expect some breakthrough bleeding for the first few months on the pill. It is important to keep taking the pill as prescribed despite this occasional spotting. This is most likely going to be related to the depo shot wearing off.
Let me know if you have additional questions
Dr. Tim
That is correct
Detailed Answer:
First of all, I am sorry about the delay.
I would tell a patient to expect some breakthrough bleeding for the first few months on the pill. It is important to keep taking the pill as prescribed despite this occasional spotting. This is most likely going to be related to the depo shot wearing off.
Let me know if you have additional questions
Dr. Tim
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Pradeep Vitta
So if she were to spot bleed before she gets on the pill it will not help get her period in order correct? No worries on the delay and thanks for your help
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