Hello there. I am a 19 year old female. I've been taking Depo-Provera 3 times. Each shot lasts 12 weeks (3 months). I don't get any periods, I just spot sometimes although I did have a strong period once with intense clots. I have to get my 4th shot at the beginning of January, but my boyfriend & I were talking about whether I should keep getting it or not because we've heard of problems trying to conceive later. I've even heard some women get completely infertile. I would like any feedback anyone has to offer. Any experiences they have had or people they know have had. Please let me know because we would like to have a baby in the future. Thank you so much.

You are correct that it can sometimes delay fertility for quite a long time. Some women will regain fertility not long after the last injections wears off, while others will find it may take close to two years or so before regular cycles return. It is very individual, but the potential for a delay in regular cycles, and a return to fertility, is a well known side effect of depo provera. The possibility for future long term fertility concerns may be an issue for some women, but generally would not be the norm.

There are other concerns with regard to using depo for extended periods as well, such as loss of bone density, which can impact your bone health, especially in later years. You, along with your boyfriend, may want to consider having an appointment with your gyn to discuss all of your birth control options and decide which would be in your best interest for the time frame that you have in mind.