Birth Control and Fertility

Birth control is the name given to measures taken to guard against conception. There are different modes of birth control, and each is selected by individuals for a variety of reasons. Many have found birth control methods to be invaluable, while others have reservations, concerned that birth control may cause infertility.

The concern about the connection between birth control and infertility is natural, therefore in this article, we shall be looking into types of birth control, how they prevent conception, and the effects on fertility when one is ready to conceive.

Does Birth Control Cause Infertility?

No, birth control does not cause infertility. There is no scientific evidence linking infertility to the use of birth control methods. Studies assessing the effects of birth control on fertility concluded that, regardless of the type or duration of contraception used, there was no negative impact on fertility.

The fact is that the use of some contraceptives may cause a brief delay in the return of a regular cycle, thus delaying conception. This delay should not be taken as a sign of infertility. Infertility is consistently being unable to conceive a child. 

Further it is important to keep in mind that there are other factors that come into play which affect a person’s ability to conceive. These include, but are not limited to, stress or illness, lifestyle or increased levels of hormones that do not support pregnancy.

Types of Birth Control

Ideally a birth control method is selected depending on factors such as the duration of use, comfort level, and any reactions the body may have. A person’s lifestyle is also an important factor to include when considering contraception.

There are a variety of birth control methods, even though ‘the pill’ is quite common among sexually active individuals. It is prudent to consider trying a few methods before settling on one.

Hormone-Based Contraception

Oral Pills

These are a common type of contraception for females in the United States. It has been shown that up to 14% of females of reproductive age prefer this method. They come in two types, the progestin-only and the combination pills. 

Generally, the pill works on the reproductive hormones, delaying or preventing ovulation. It also causes the cervical mucus to thicken and the uterine lining to become thinner in order to discourage the fertilization and implantation of an egg when ovulation occurs.  

Combination pills are a daily regimen consisting of three weeks of hormonal medication, followed by placebo pills in the fourth week, making room for the person’s period. The progestin-only regimen is also a daily one, but has no placebo week. The result is a very short period, or no period altogether.

The type of pill to use can only be decided on a case-by-case basis. Personal preference is a consideration, but more importantly negative side effects such as nausea, bloating, spotting, breast tenderness or depression, must also be factored in. Changing the natural rhythm of hormonal production carries risks that must not be ignored.

Oral contraceptives are known to be very effective in the prevention of pregnancy. However, if your daily schedule does not allow for consistent timing, which is necessary particularly with progestin-only pills, you may want to consider alternatives forms of contraception.

Implants

Implants, like the pill, adjust hormone levels in the body to prevent a person from becoming pregnant. The particular advantage the implant has is that it has no regimen. 

The implant is a small matchstick sized rod that is inserted just beneath the surface of the skin of the upper arm. It is effective for up to five years, gradually releasing both estrogen and progestin in the same way that combination pills do. 

After insertion, bruising or swelling may occur, but this is usually short lived. Additionally some of the side effects associated with hormone-based contraception use are to be expected. 

A person using the implant may experience abnormal or unpredictable bleeding requiring discontinuation of use.  However, when a user intentionally decides to come off contraception, the removal process is fairly simple and does not have any major impact on fertility. Infact, one can become pregnant almost right away. 

Vaginal Rings

Vaginal rings are inserted into the vagina once, for a duration and removed when a person is having their periods. Like the pill, vaginal rings release estrogen and progestin that can be absorbed through the vaginal lining. This prevents ovulation, thickens cervical mucus and makes the uterine lining thin. All in order to reduce the likelihood of pregnancy. 

NuvaRing and Annovera are the two types of vaginal rings and the choice regarding which to use is based on the duration of wear as well as scheduling.

NuvaRings can be worn for about a month or so, but must be removed and discarded during the user’s period. Afterward, a new ring can be worn, and the cycle repeats itself. 

Annovera rings are worn for about three weeks, and like the NuvaRing, are removed for the duration of a user’s period. Unlike the NuvaRing however, the Annovera ring can be used again and again for about a year -  or 13 cycles - before replacing it. When not in use, storing it in a safe, climate-controlled environment is important.

Since the rings are hormonal, side effects may include nausea, headaches, sore breasts and spotting between periods. In some cases, users have reported a vaginal discharge in the first few months of use.

Injections

Birth control injections put the hormone progestin directly into the body. The injection is taken every three months and stops ovulation and the  fertilization of eggs. These are the least reversible form of contraception and one must wait at least three months after their last shot before they can conceive.

Of all the methods, this is the most discreet, particularly if privacy is a priority. Additionally it can be scheduled with ease, as all one needs is to book four annual appointments with a professional healthcare provider.

Intrauterine Devices

Intrauterine devices prevent sperm from reaching and fertilizing the eggs released during ovulation. They are also known as IUDs and are of two types, hormonal and copper. 

Hormonal IUDs contain progestin which delays or stops ovulation altogether. By changing the consistency of the mucus and tissue inside the uterus, they prevent fertilization from occurring. 

With progestin being released right into the uterus, some side effects that are associated with options such as the pill are reduced, because the amount of hormone getting into the blood is also minimal. Additionally, users may experience decreased bleeding during their period, or may not bleed at all.

With Copper IUDs, the amount of copper on the device acts as a repellent, detering sperm from entering the uterus. This type of contraception is non-hormonal and as such, makes for an ideal option for persons who wish to avoid the side effects associated with hormone based contraception.

IUDs can be used for a period of up to eight years, and can be removed at any time allowing users to conceive with very little delay thereafter. 

Summary

Birth control does not affect fertility regardless of the option chosen. People  may have delays in conception after they stop using birth control, but this is because their bodies are readjusting to their regular hormonal rhythms.

If you plan on having children, it is advisable that you speak with a healthcare professional before going on birth control. This way, you can get advise on the best option for your birth control plan, as well as be informed on what to expect once you are ready to become pregnant.

Birth control is not entirely without its risks, and particularly hormonal birth control which has a variety of side effects affecting different users in different ways. Adverse reactions however must immediately be reported in order to manage them and find alternatives.

If you want to know more about birth control, contact Ivy Fertility. We are happy to walk with you as you consider different family planning options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can birth control make my cycle irregular?

Yes, birth control can cause irregular cycles. Spotting, lighter and shorter, or heavier and longer bleeding, irregular or a complete ceasing of menstruation, are other associated side-effects.  

Can I get pregnant while still using birth control?

Yes. Birth control is not 100% foolproof, it reduces the chances of conception greatly, but not entirely. The use of certain medications can also reduce the efficacy of birth control. Therefore it is possible to still get pregnant when using birth control. 

How soon can I get pregnant after getting off birth control?

Getting pregnant after coming off birth control varies from one person to another. For some, pregnancy occurs soon after, while for others it could take months.

Will previous birth control use affect my unborn child?

If you have already gotten off birth control, there should not be any negative effects on your unborn child. Still, if you got pregnant while on birth control, it may affect the unborn child, so speak with your healthcare provider for further guidance.