Expert: Drea Jean H. - 5/11/2006

Question
I have bee taking the depo shot for about 4 years and just recently went off last month in fear of bone loss and weight gain. I am 25 and in an serious relationship and we have been using condoms ever since. I was wondering how long it should take for me to start ovulating and having my cycle, one because I don't know how soon I could get pregnant and I fear that I might be... (the one time we didn't use protection)I have no symptoms, but I haven't seen any signs of mensturating. Two, because I was looking for an alternative in birth control... Something with little or no hormones and not any form of the pill.. My question is how long does it take to get pregnant once off the shot and how soon should I expext to see my cycle and What other options are out there in forms of birth control that are safe and effective (pill free and hormone free)?

Answer
Hi Joanne,

It takes longer for your body to start back to normal from the shot than it does from pills. And since you were on it for an extended amount of time, it could take you up to 9 months or a year to get back on a regular cycle. In this case, you could ovulate anytime, and you period could be very irregular. As long as you are having sex, there is a possibility of pregnancy, so some women in similar situations will take a pregnancy test once a month just to be sure. It usually takes at least 6 months for women to become pregnant, but it can certainly happen sooner. I think, in your case, it is only a small chance you have become pregnant.

Diaghrams and non-hormonal IUDs are the two things that a woman can use as Birth control, that are non-hormonal. A diaghram is perscribed by a Dr., and is custom made to fit inside your body, to keep the semen from traveling through the cervix. You insert it before penetration. The IUD, or Inter-Uterine Device, is a little T looking thing, inserted into the uterus. It keeps your cervix and uterus from closing, wich is what it does when you become pregnant, so you can't sustain a pregnancy. Condoms work, but the two best things you can do for the most effectivness with them, is make sure they are spermicidally lubricated, and also use a vaginal cream, or gel that is a spermicide, so if anything gets through, the spermicide in your body, and on his will kill it.

The Diaghram and IUD is something you will have to go to your Dr. to get. The other, is something sold directly over the counter. It also wouldn't hurt to have a perscription for Plan B (the morning after pill) ready when you need it.

Good Luck, and Thanks,

Drea Jean

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