Coming off depo - what to do?

[Rahul88]

I’ve been on the depo for about 5 years now and have decided to come off it. I have an appointment next week with a nurse for my next injection. Do I just need to cancel it, or do they still like you to go and keep them updated? I would like to talk through alternatives although am just going to use condoms for a bit, but don’t want to waste their time.

You can just stop and be sure to use condoms and emergency contraception if needed.
If you want to discuss contraceptive options it is best to do it on plenty of time . Your periods may not return after the depo for quite some time, this means you will have no idea a bout when your fertility will return. If, eg, you were considering an implant of coil there would be a strong case for getting them fitted under cover of the depo so to speak.there is very unlikely to be a medical benefit to having a break and you might by waiting put yourself at risk of an unplanned pregnancy. I would advise you to see your FP specialist GP or FP clinic to discuss all your options while the depo is still definitely effective. You might decide to have a few months off but at least you will be fully informed.