> An entirely seperate issue is the use of Depo-Provera as a contraceptive for
> Native communities. I recall hearing several years ago that they were using
> this substance to "chemically castrate" incarcerated sexual offenders. There
> was also some talk about it being a carcinogen ... testicular cancer, I think.
I was on Depo-Provera for about a year before I couldn't handle it any
longer. It really messed me up with a variety of side-effects, many of
which I won't go into here, but I will say that one effect was dealing with
possible cervical cancer for a number of months after discontinuing the use
of Depo-Provera. After biopsies and other tests, it was deemed
non-cancerous, and now, a year later, is gone. I am so glad that my prayers
were answered.
I'm not the only woman I know that has reacted adversely to Depo-Provera.
Many of my friends, who are Native, have had severe health problems as a
result of Depo-Provera. I really don't know how it could have ever been
approved for use.
Also, many of my Native friends/relatives and Black friends have used
Norplant, which is similar to Depo. They, too, have had various scares with
pre-cancers. Please keep in mind that these cases with Depo-Provera and
Norplant are instances with young women ages 17-25!!!