Among women concerned about contraception, one common worry is that birth control will affect future fertility. There is a lot of anxiety surrounding the long-term use of hormonal contraception and the impact that may have on trying to conceive later in life.
Fortunately, medical studies have proven that most forms of birth control do not lead to permanent infertility. In some cases, the use of certain birth control methods may somewhat delay the return to a woman’s normal fertility, but it does not affect her ability to conceive in the future.
To help you with your reproductive choices, it is important that you try to learn how different forms of birth control work, what occurs when these methods are no longer in use, how long it typically takes for fertility to return, and the factors that impact fertility.
Understanding Birth Control and Fertility
There are many different types of birth control methods that can prevent pregnancy. These methods may achieve their intended purpose by:
– Inhibiting ovulation
– Increasing the viscosity of cervical mucus
– Reducing the LH and FSH hormones
– Altering the uterine lining
– Interfering with the sperm reaching the egg and/or fertilization
The reversible nature of contraception means that once it is no longer in use, the body’s reproductive functions will most likely be resumed.
Does Birth Control Cause Infertility?
The short answer is absolutely not.
Studies have confirmed that the use of modern birth control methods by healthy individuals does not cause permanent infertility. Most women can achieve pregnancy post-birth control, even though there may be some variance in time dependent on the method.
Fertility studies have confirmed that the fertility rates of individuals who used birth control are equivalent to the fertility rates of individuals who have never used birth control.
Hormonal contraception can make it seem like fertility has been adversely affected, but in reality, a delay in ovulation post-contraceptive can be expected.
Birth Control and Future Fertility
Birth Control Pills
One of the most common global contraceptive methods is the oral pill.
What Happens After the Pill?
The process after the pill is as follows:
– Hormones slowly restore to the body’s baseline
– Ovulation usually begins a few weeks after the pill is stopped
– Pregnancy can occur after just a few months
Some women get pregnant after their first period post-pill.
Fertility Outlook
Long term fertility is not negatively impacted by birth control pills. Any delay in getting pregnant is likely a temporary delay post hormone adjustment.
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
IUDs provide long lasting and extremely effective contraceptives. The two most common types are:
– Hormonal IUDs
– Copper IUDs
After IUD Removal
After the removal of an IUD, fertility is likely to return very quickly. Women can begin ovulating in the first month post-IUD.
Fertility Outlook
IUDs, both hormonal and copper, do not impact long term fertility.
Birth Control Implants
The hormonal contraceptive implants prevent ovulation.
What Happens After Removal?
Post-implant removal:
– Hormones rapidly decrease
– Ovulation begins again in weeks
– Fertility can return almost immediately
Fertility after Birth Control
Implants do not lead to permanent fertility problems.
Birth Control Injections
The birth control injection is different in that it can take longer for fertility to return.
After the Injections
Women can have:
– Delayed ovulation
– Irregular menstrual cycles
– Longer time to conceive
Return to fertility can take on average several months, but can take up to a year or longer for some women.
Fertility after Birth Control Injections
Return to fertility can take time, but birth control injections do not lead to permanent infertility.
Birth Control Patch and Vaginal Ring
These methods use the same hormones as birth control pills.
Fertility after these Methods
Most women have a return to fertility shortly after the methods are stopped.
Ovulation typically returns within weeks and up to a few months.
Fertility after these Methods
There is no indication these methods have a negative impact on long-term fertility.
Barrier Methods
These methods include:
– Condoms
– Diaphragms
– Cervical caps
– Spermicides
Fertility after these Methods
These methods do not change hormones or ovulation. Therefore, a return to fertility is immediate after stopping the method.
Fertility after Barrier Methods
Barrier methods do not affect future fertility.
Why is it Difficult to Conceive after Stopping Birth Control?
If a woman is not conceiving right after stopping birth control, it is common to think that it is because of the use of birth control. That is not the only reason and is often not the reason.
Age
One of the contributing factors can be that it is more difficult to conceive as women age.
Women in their mid-to-late thirties who stop taking birth control may face a more difficult time getting pregnant as a result of age-related declines in fertility and not because they took contraception.
Contraception use can obscure underlying reproductive conditions such as:
– Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
– Endometriosis
– Thyroid conditions
– Irregular ovulation
These conditions may impact fertility when contraception is no longer in use.
Smoking, excessive use of alcohol, obesity, poor nutrition, chronic stress, and lack of exercise can all make getting pregnant difficult even when contraception has not been used.
Myths about birth control and fertility
Myth 1: Using contraception long-term leads to infertility.
Fact: Using contraception long-term is not the cause of permanent infertility.
Many women use contraception for years and, when they stop, have no issues getting pregnant.
Myth 2: There is a need to take breaks from birth control because it protects fertility.
Fact: There is no need to take breaks from hormonal birth control in order to protect fertility.
In the absence of any medical issues, contraception can be used continuously.
Myth 3: Birth control removes the number of eggs a woman has.
Fact: Birth control does not cause a loss of eggs.
There an finite number of eggs when a woman is born and using birth control does not cause them to be lost.
Myth 4: everyone’s fertility will be restored immediately after using contraception.
Fact: after some forms of contraception, fertility does return after a period of time and for others it takes longer. Individual biology can also cause variations in the time it takes for fertility to be restored.
How Long After Stopping Birth Control Can You Get Pregnant?
The speed of returning to fertility varies for each individual.
Fertility Return After Stopping Birth Control
| Birth Control | Return of Fertility Expectation |
|—————|———————————|
| Birth Control Pills | Weeks to months |
| Hormonal IUD | About 1 month |
| Copper IUD | Right away |
| Implant | Weeks |
| Patch | Weeks |
| Vaginal Ring | Weeks |
| Injection | Months to over 1 year |
After stopping birth control, many couples become pregnant in the first year.
When to Consult a Fertility Specialist
You should see a fertility specialist if:
– You are under age 35 and have been trying to conceive for 1 year.
– You are over age 35 and have been trying for 6 months.
– You have irregular menstrual cycles.
– You have a history of reproductive health issues.
– You have had multiple pregnancies that end in loss.
It is helpful to have an early assessment that can identify issues and improve your chances of a successful pregnancy.
How to Prepare Your Body for Pregnancy After Stopping Birth Control
Follow these suggestions if you plan to become pregnant:
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Healthy body weight can support ovulation and proper hormone regulation.
Eat a Fertility Friendly Diet
Healthy body weight includes:
– Fruits and Vegetables
– Whole Grains
– Lean Proteins
– Healthy Fats
Take Prenatal Vitamins
Folic Acid should be taken prior to and during pregnancy.
Monitoring Menstrual Cycle
Tracking your menstrual cycle can help you determine your ovulation and fertile days.
Eliminate Smoking
Studies show that smoking can decrease fertility and cause complications for both mother and baby after birth.
Fight Stress
While the absence of stress does not guarantee fertility, keeping stress at manageable levels can positively influence your reproductive health.
CONCLUSION
In the case of questioning, “does birth control lead to infertility of the future?”, the answer is no according to recent studies which prove to be reassuring. Birth control is not the cause of permanent infertility and fertility is expected to return in the future. Although some contraceptives, especially the injections, may result in a delay in the return of fertility, they do not have an effect on its long-term potential.
Avoiding pregnancy requires a solid understanding of the chosen method, a commitment to a healthy lifestyle, and medical assistance as necessary. This will help prepare you for an easier pregnancy when the time comes. We want you to make the most of your reproductive freedom: have fun, try new things, explore the modern methods of safe and reliable birth control, and don’t waste time worrying about your future fertility. You have the right to your peace of mind.
