Could the depo provera shot have rendered me infertile?

[Spicygirl82]

Hi everyone. I used to be on the depo provera shot for a few years. Anyway, even 2 years after going off the shot, I still had only 2 or 3 periods a year. Is it possible that the depo provera shot has screwed my system up and left me infertile?

[sera300]

Rare; you need to discuss this with you Gyn since there are other factors which can affect your irregular period. Most women take 1-1&1/2 years. Have hear of longer but I would not just accept the Depo is the culprit. There are other ways a Gyn can regulate a period; however, you need some basic testing done. Additionally, your age may be a factor.

Since you do get a period does not render you as being "infertile" just very irregular unless you have attempted to get pregnant for a year and have been unable to. Depo claims it can cause difficulty with returning to a fertile state.

[Spicygirl82]

Originally Posted by sera300

Rare; you need to discuss this with you Gyn since there are other factors which can affect your irregular period. Most women take 1-1&1/2 years. Have hear of longer but I would not just accept the Depo is the culprit. There are other ways a Gyn can regulate a period; however, you need some basic testing done. Additionally, your age may be a factor.

Since you do get a period does not render you as being "infertile" just very irregular unless you have attempted to get pregnant for a year and have been unable to. Depo claims it can cause difficulty with returning to a fertile state.

Hmmm ok. I don't think my age would be a factor as I am only 26 years old. Surely I am not beginning to go through menopause or anything at this age. Also, I am worried that I may have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. I am trying to schedule an appointment with a gynecologist to get tested for it but unfortunately, I am having trouble finding a gynecologist that will accept my Medicaid for anything except for pregnancy. My previous gynecologist said he'd let me come and would accept my Medicaid for the test and everything but they can't get me in until October and so I am trying to simply find a different gynecologist. Anyway, what are the symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?

[sera300]

Three are several conditions where a woman only ovulates randomly. With a cyst generally pain onsets. However, if you get a period three times a year there is an issue with your cycle. There are other issues which need to be checked since you are 26 and not having a monthly period. I would not issue yourself a diagnosis. See the gyn or try your local planned parenthood or gynclinic. www.plannedparenthood.com. This could still be a result of the Depo shot but need a full answer.

[Brandye]

Not likely that you have been rendered permanently sterile but I have had patients take a long time to get back to normal after depo. Similar issues are showing up with the newer meds that limit the period to a few times each year.

After two years, it is time to talk to your doctor long and seriously. She may want to run other tests and she may be able to prescribe some help getting back to normal.

[Spicygirl82]

Thanks everyone. I will be scheduling an appointment with a gynecologist as soon as I can find one who accepts Medicaid. My previous gynecologist now only accepts Medicaid for pregnant women.

[Brandye]

I do not know how to game the US medical payment system. You are on your own there.

Good luck.

[sera300]

Originally Posted by Spicygirl82

Thanks everyone. I will be scheduling an appointment with a gynecologist as soon as I can find one who accepts Medicaid. My previous gynecologist now only accepts Medicaid for pregnant women.

By law they have to accept a specific percentage of both Medicaid & Medicare patients per the size of the practice. Make some calls and also check with planned parenthood and local hospitals or county women's health clinics. Many good docs choose to work to help people and do not base the care upon re-reimbursement.

[Spicygirl82]

Originally Posted by sera300

By law they have to accept a specific percentage of both Medicaid & Medicare patients per the size of the practice. Make some calls and also check with planned parenthood and local hospitals or county women's health clinics. Many good docs choose to work to help people and do not base the care upon re-reimbursement.

Oh don't worry. I did finally find someone who accepts Medicaid for anything that Medicaid can cover (including non-pregnant women) and I have an appointment this morning with the new gynecologist.