Expert: Norman Solberg - 9/21/2011

Question
Hi,
    Ive been using depo provera for about 5 years now, im 18.. I began using it when i was 13 because i was absolutely terrified of becoming pregnant at an early age, also because my mother made me & has kept me on it for a long time. As i get older however, im worried that because the drug has been administered to me for so long at such a young age.. will it effect the chances of me ever becoming pregnant? its been about 6 months since my last injection & i just keep thinking what if my menstruation never returns? I've been researching the issue but i can never find an answer, is it even possible that depo provera can stop you from conceiving for the rest of your life?

Answer
I don't believe it's possible that depo provera can stop you from conceiving for the rest of your life.  It can make conception difficult for some time after your last injection, since it may take quite a while to begin ovulating after being on depo provera.  However, studies have shown that by 18 months after stopping depo provera, a woman's fertility will be the same as the average woman.  Some women regain their fertility very soon, and some take longer.