For some time now i have been suffering from dyspareunia (pain during and/or after sex).I have seen my doctor about this who ran some tests, she didn't specify what these were but i am guessing they were to test for infections.The results did not show anything.She also gave me an examination and she said she did not notice anything abnormal. I am booked in for a scan next week, i have no idea what kind of scan this is. Does anyone have an idea?
Also my doctor had previously asked me about my periods but seeing as though i am on the contraceptive injection (Depo) i do not normally have any but two weeks ago i did,i think it was a period anyway, it wasn't small enough to call spotting but i didn't have any period pains at all.Should i mention this when i go back next week?Should i also mention that my periods were really abnormal before i went on the injection? (my periods were anywhere between 2 and 6 months between). Just incase it would help anyone to answer my questions, i am 18. Okay the scan will probably be a trans-vaginal scan which I think is self explanatory. Sometimes with contraceptives your vagina can suffer from dryness so try using a lubricant such as KY gel this might help alleviate any pain. As far as your history goes it is always wise to tell doctors anything to do with the complaint as you never know what you may think is trivial, could actually be an important factor. It may also be a good time for you to consider another more permanent form of contraception as you are only 18 and I take it will not be wanting to start a family in the near future. Ask Doctor for a leaflet on Implanon. Hopefully this information will help. When I went on the depo I experienced very similar problems to you, the doctors told me I had a STD but after all the tests I was clear, and knew I would be... I would suggest trying a new method of contraception. I have gone on the 3 year implanon which is working well for me, I bleed very slightly every 2 months or so, and although a similar hormone to the injection I find it much easier and has made sex more enjoyable. I am not sure what the causes could be, just informing you on my own personal experience, so you should continue your sessions with your doctor, but just to let you know this is an option and everything worked out fine for me, I hope it will for you :) I too, was on Depo for three years and am now off for a year. I don't think the doctor will allow you to use such a long temr contraception as Gina proposes. Three years is a long time and you are young. My personal experience on Depo was that I was very moody (like PMS all the time) grumpy, and aggressive. Also, I was totally turned off sexually, I did not have desire at all and sex was not enjoyable at all........... It did a great job at contraception...... The best contraception is abstinence they say (not doing it at all) and Depo caused me not to want and not to enjoy sex. It also made me gain a lot a weight. I also experience painful sexual relations sometimes, and my vagina was less able to lubricate.
Now that I no longer take Depo, my sexuality returned somewhat to normal, but my cycles did not, even after 17 months. I really appreciated the lack of period but the side effect it caused were not what I expected. I didn't realize how it affected my relations and my mood, and sex, until I stopped taking it.
It is true that it had nasty side effects (for me) doesn't mean it does to all. But now the physicians won't give me any hormonal methods because my blood pressure tends to be elevated. So my choices are limited to IUD, condoms and calendar method... None of those can reduce the length, amount and painfulness of my periods... IUD can only make it worse. Condom (80% even when use properly) and calendar method are not very reliable. Also I have issues that I am very sensitive and condoms are irritating.
I think there should be more options for women. At one point I was so fed up with everything (discomfort, etc) that I wanted to get a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). Then I read about the effects of it (menopause-like symptoms) an am no longer intereted in that. Menstruation is a nuisance to me and I wish I could avoid it altogether, without the nasty side effects. Unfortunately there has to be a downside. Also, by the way, a lot of physicians are reluctant to prescrive Depo since it causes bone loss and new studies may indicate that the bone loss may not be reversible. Since I already have brittle bones, this gives them extra reason why not to prescribe Depo. Also there is still taboo about period, and people are very passionate of their belief. Either you believe it is unnecessary and damaging to your body or you believe it is healthy and cleansing.
Sorry if I am not of great help,
You should mention everything that concerns your periods to your MD. It may not seem relevant to you, but it may help them find out what causes your discomfort. In my opinion (and from personal experience) the discomfort could be cause by Depo. You may want to change contraception method (Nuva Ring or the new pill, or Evra patch). Good luck! |
