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Original poster

Conceiving after Depo Provera - may have done something stupid...

23 replies

LazyNinja · 09/03/2016 14:41

I had my first injection around 2010 but after hearing so many stories about women having trouble conceiving after the injection I decided not to have my last injection which was due at the end of January this year, with the hope to start ttc in a year or so.

Last night my husband and I got a rather carried away and stupidly had sex without using a condom. In over 10 years together it was the first time we have had sex without using protection. I know that conceiving after Depo can vary wildly but I'm looking for any advice on the likelihood that I could get pregnant. I haven't had a period yet.

Sorry for my ignorance, but for the last decade or so I have been focusing on not getting pregnant, therefore I feel I have no clue about trying to conceive!

OP posts:
Original poster
LazyNinja · 09/03/2016 18:42

Anyone?? Slightly panicking

OP posts:
MyKingdomForBrie · 09/03/2016 18:46

Well yep, you could be pregnant. Wait about 14 days and take a pregnancy test.

Katenka · 09/03/2016 18:46

No one can say.

I know someone who got of a man th after coming off. It took me 18 months both times.

When I was on it, my best friend was training to be a doctor. She put me in touch with a friends dad who was a gynaecologist. He advised that the information about it causing infertility is sketchy as best as its not know of these women were fertile before, or if they would have had problems anyway.

In my area they only like you to be on it 2 years before taking a break.

My mum and all my aunties took a while to conceive so I think it's more likely that than the injection.

Original poster
LazyNinja · 09/03/2016 19:12

Thank you for your replies, I'm quite sketchy about how to conceive after taking contraceptives (was previously on the pill) so feel completely out of touch. I thought it would be unlikely to be able to conceive after a relatively short time off the injection, also I have no idea if I am ovulating.

OP posts:
TurnOffTheTv · 09/03/2016 19:18

Two out of my three pregnancies I came off the depo in January. I got pregnant in the Feb the first time, then April the second time.

Original poster
LazyNinja · 09/03/2016 19:25

Shit. Thank you. I read loads of stories saying that it prevented pregnancies for at least a year. I took a stupid risk. Other question, I've never taken a pregnancy test before, how long do I have to wait? I can't believe I'm nearly 30 and asking these questions!

OP posts:
TurnOffTheTv · 09/03/2016 19:27

Have you had a period yet?

Original poster
LazyNinja · 09/03/2016 19:29

Nope, no period yet, but from what I gather that doesn't necessarily mean I can't conceive. I'm embarrassed that I am so ignorant about fertility

OP posts:
cherrytree63 · 09/03/2016 19:29

I didn't have a period for a year after coming off the Depo.

ChildlessAndOK · 09/03/2016 19:30

If u haven't had a period since ur last depo, surely the chances are limited?
Took 9 months before my cycle kickstarted itself and I was under the impression that the chance of pregnancy was very very low.
But.... Should do a rest in a couple weeks just to be sure.
Will u update the thread?

Katenka · 09/03/2016 19:30

Is your period due?

Some tests you can do a few days before you are due.

PacificDogwod · 09/03/2016 19:33

Do you want to be pregnant?

If not, get emergency contraception (oral MAP up to 72 hrs after unprotected sex, copper coil can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex).

If you want to be pregnant, leave it 2 weeks, then POAS and let us know

Good luck!

Original poster
LazyNinja · 09/03/2016 19:38

Thank you everyone, and I will update with any news.

I do want to be pregnant but it is not the right time at the moment due to a few issues, mainly coming to the end of a fixed term contract and being uncertain about future employment. However, if it did happen I guess we would do our best. I just can't believe that after years of being sensible I took a risk. I just thought the risk would be so small.

OP posts:
Toffeelatteplease · 09/03/2016 19:43

Your chances are very slim indeed

Original poster
LazyNinja · 09/03/2016 20:00

Not going to hold it against you If you are wrong Toffee but I do hope you are right.

The strange thing is that my dh was quite against ttc for at least a year or so, whereas I was keen as soon as possible. Now this has happened we both seem to have changed our views. I guess at least I know he will be supportive. I mentioned taking the morning after pill but he wants to wait and see what happens

OP posts:
Original poster
LazyNinja · 09/03/2016 21:03

The silly thing is, how do I know if I am pregnant without having periods? How do I know when I might be ovulating and how early can I take a pregnancy test? I had a brief look online but it seemed to be linked to the day you have your period which I clearly don't know.

OP posts:
MiniJellyBeans · 09/03/2016 21:21

Hi Lazy, you won't have any idea whether you have ovulated recently at the moment, while you're still having no periods - ovulation tends to occur about 14 days before a period in most women, so you'll only know after the event!

Re. timing of pregnancy test - if you do a test 3 weeks after having unprotected sex, it can reliably tell you whether that episode of sex has resulted in pregnancy. Of course you can test earlier if you like, but in a few cases it takes 3 weeks for the test to become positive, so an earlier test might be falsely reassuring (or disappointing, depending on your viewpoint!).

Original poster
LazyNinja · 09/03/2016 21:38

Thank you Mini, I really appreciate your advice.

OP posts:
AmyB1986 · 15/03/2016 20:06

Hi, I had the depo injection for 18 months and stopped it in July last year. I had no periods at all, found I was pregnant during what I thought was a period in January turned out to be a miscarriage sadly. But I had no periods at all until that point 7 months after coming off the injection.
I panicked and thought I was pregnant but read it can take up to 18months for your fertility to return to normal. I conceived on my first ovulation after stopping the jab which was 6 months after stopping it, I was around 5-6 weeks when I had my miscarriage.

I second what everyone else is saying, take a test in 3 weeks and go from there.

RustyPaperclip · 15/03/2016 20:31

Many thanks for your message AmyB and I am sorry for your loss.

I am anxiously waiting....

RustyPaperclip · 15/03/2016 20:35

Ah dammit messed up name change. Oh well Smile

RustyPaperclip · 29/03/2016 01:49

Looking for any help again. I have taken two tests, one 2 weeks after, the other nearly 3. Both negative. However for the last couple of weeks I have been having cramps like I used to get when I was getting my period. Is this normal after coming off Depo? I keep feeling that my period is coming and then nothing. I'm feeling pretty baffled right now

AmyB1986 · 18/04/2016 09:30

Rusty I had the same thing, thinking my period was coming then nothing at all. I would say go to your doctor and ask them for more advice. I wish I had! If anyone ever considers having the depo injection I'd steer them well clear of it. Worst contraception I've ever used. Hope you get your period or at least some answers soon x

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