question for female candidates/cadets

<p>During SLS, one of the members of the Cadet Cadre mentioned Depo-Provera as a life saver for Beast. I am considering this to alleviate my worries during my plebe year (and possibly longer than that). Does anyone have advice about this injection? I have only heard good things about it and would rather not have to deal with that monthly nuisance, especially during Beast.
Thanks!</p>

<p>Depo-Provera is basically an injection of birth control hormones - lasts 12 weeks and eliminated your period. Do some research and consult with a gyn. Depo works most of the time but you can have some break-through bleeding, or even light periods. Once you get the shot you are stuck for 12 weeks. You can't switch hormones. If you go the bcp route you can adjust them a little better. Also, you can also adjust your bcp to take them without the 7 day placebos to eliminate your period. The problem with bcp's is taking that little pill each and every day at the same time. I am not sure if the patch is off the market for the time being or not - there were possibly some problems with that. There are options out there. If you don't have any objection to taking birth control hormones and they are safe for you - by all means consult a gyn or a gyn nurse practioner. Explain your situation, do it now though so you can be ready for early July.
Also, be aware that even if you have periods they will probably be shorter, lighter and with less cramps. Benefits all around.
BTW: I am sure the experience of having one's period during Beast is one that most men cannot possibly comprehend.</p>

<p>Depo was one of the best things I did before going to Buckner. I fully suggest it before going to Beast. Try to get your second shot before you show up, to give your body some time to adjust. You can continue the shots at school, and if you're due to be stuck during Beast, you can get that taken care of during sick call.</p>

<p>"I am sure the experience of having one's period during Beast is one that most men cannot possibly comprehend."</p>

<p>You ain't kidding sister!</p>

<p>The funny thing is that while I was reading the original post I was thinking, "I don't think any of the cadets are supposed to be having sex during beast" and as a protective father if I had a daughter, "or any time while at West Point, for that matter". Of course then I got to the period part and I had the "ah ha" experience. Well, it's been a long day and it's late and I'm obviously not firing on all cylinders so you youngsters carry on. Good work!</p>

<p>I've decided on the recommendation of my gyn, to take the nuvaring, to help me with my periods during beast. Do I need to let Dodmerb and/or west point know about this because I will be showing up using the nuvaring and plan to continue to use it during beast and possibly throughout the rest of the year? And how do I go about notifying them about it?</p>

<p>Color me crazy, but don't those have to be refrigerated? My buddy had them (firstie year) and I remember asking her questions when I grabbed a soda from her fridge. </p>

<p>I would tell USMA because it's a long term prescription, and they'll make sure to have it on hand. Dr. Yavorek deals with the Nuvaring, so you can get refills from the Cadet Health Clinic during Beast. Remember to scrub your hands really, really well in the field before insertion or you have a high chance of getting some really bad infections.</p>

<p>They are supposed to be kept at room temperature 59-86 degrees F.</p>

<p>All I know is that my bcp were confiscated and I was reissued different bcp when I showed up at wp. I would say Depo is a good alternative if you want to avoid this problem, but I've heard it can make you gain a significant amt of weight (which shouldn't be a problem at wp though!). I would however recommend doing anything you can to avoid having a period...although most girls skip theirs completely because of the intense PT and stress placed on their bodies.</p>

<p>Thanks for all the help! I'm definitely going to go with Depo. 113 days left until July 2! :D</p>

<p>My advice - get the shot now. You can get another before you leave and make sure it works for you.</p>