depo vs. plan b... which has more severe side effects..

**beachshutterbug** · 10-05-2011 02:49 PM

m undecided between getting the shot (Depo Perva) or just using the Plan B emergency pill..
Which are worse..

Im not needing it continuously, but more for several encounters during a week.
Since itll probably happen several times in a short period, im thinkin the shot is better.. or can i take the pill after each encounter within a week?

**ItsASecret** · 10-05-2011 02:58 PM

Never use Plan B as a sole source of birth control. It contains several times the dose of regular birth control and will throw your body for a loop any time it is taken. It is made as an emergency contraceptive not as a form of regular birth control. No doctor would ever recommend a woman take several doses of Plan B every week like you say you would do. Getting regular birth control is the recommended way because you will be constantly protected no matter how many encounters you have. Do not take Plan B more than you should, should meaning in emergency situations like missing a few regular birth control pills or unprotected sex while not using any form of birth control. If you want the shot for ease then definitely do that, one shot every month is fine if you do not want to be remembering to take regular birth control pills every single day.

**KMonte85** · 10-05-2011 03:00 PM

I'm going to make this as clear as I can...

Plan B is not a form of regular birth control
Plan B is not a form of regular birth control
PLAN B IS NOT A FORM OF REGULAR BIRTH CONTROL!!

It is an emergency contraceptive, to be used ONLY when your regular birth control fails.

Additionally there are more options out there than just the depo. It is time you make an appointment with your doctor and get educated on the subject of various forms of BC and how they work!

Since this is just a temporary situation, I would suggest you use condoms (and spermacide to be extra super careful) as the depo stays in your system for months, and you're describing only a week long excursion.

**LanaBear** · 10-05-2011 03:55 PM

Yowzas... You need to do some research on birth control. NEVER should you use emergency contraception as a form for birth control. Hence the word EMERGENCY. For when you believe you regular BC may have failed or something. You can really screw up your body by taking excessive doses of EMERGENCY birth control.

Get educated, then get into the Dr and let him/her educate you some more.

**beachshutterbug** · 10-05-2011 06:11 PM

Like i said.. it wouldnt be for a continous time.. just up visiting a friend..
if it be more than that, then of course id take something more long term (duh).

i actually was leaning toward depo.. i am here to get adult feedback/personal experiance.. and just suggestions.
ive done some research online, which is actually how i found out about depo.
if i had the money, insurance, etc before this.. then ya I would've gone to a doc.
In fact, I am going to the doc fri for a full checkup, including a pap since I havent had one since I was 22..(33 now).. big reason.. is more for a check for cancer..

Thanks its a secret....i appreciate the input..

**KMonte85** · 10-06-2011 01:09 PM

even a week's worth of taking Plan B can do some SERIOUS damage to your body. That is NOT the purpose of that medication, and using it as such can have serious health effects.

You might say "duh" to us, but you yourself don't seem to understand the different forms of BC, including the ones you are leaning towards using. Even depo. If this is so short term, why would you take depo, which can stay in your body and impact your menstrual cycle and fertility sporatically for upwards of a year, even with one shot? Did your internet search tell you that much?
Good call on talking to your doctor on Friday. You need to have a nice long consultation about the best option for you.

Also, to note, I'm not sure where you live, but typically there is a free clinic that offers education and protection for sexually active people for F-R-E-E. Look into Planned Parenthoods in your area.