Do Birth Control Pills Affect Fertility After Stopping?

 

There is a lot of confusion when it comes to birth control pills and infertility, and the most common question is: Do birth control pills affect fertility after stopping? Let’s clear this up and reveal the truth — 

NO, birth control pills don’t cause infertility. It doesn’t matter what the method is or how long you have been using it. Although there are cases where women are diagnosed with infertility, they thought this was because of birth control pills. And we all know how words spread around us. 

Globally, 874 million women are using contraceptive pills for family planning. Even, WHO said that, “Modern Contraceptive Methods do not cause Infertility”. 

Type of birth control pills

• Combination pills – These include both estrogen and progestin and prevent ovulation and thicken the cervical mucus. This is not suitable for women who have a history of blood clots or migraines.
• Only-progesterone pills (Minipill) – According to the NHS, these provide a high level of prevention if taken timely and correctly. Also, a good option for breastfeeding mothers or those who have certain medical conditions.
• Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) – These are considered the morning-after pill, taken after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. Ideally, these emergency pills should be taken within 72 hours after intercourse for effective outcomes.

From where does the misconception come from? 

Even today, birth control or contraceptive pills are not easy to talk about. People still consider them a topic of shame, generated due to cultural and religious beliefs. These things lead to a lack of knowledge and information. When a woman is unable to conceive after taking pills for years, it is considered infertility because of the pills. But no one actually talks about the real reason behind the issue. It can be because of medical conditions or stress.

 As per an NIH study, more than 90% of women believed that a past history of pill intake is linked to infertility, while less than 10% knew about the actual facts.

How do birth control pills work? 

The purpose of oral contraceptives is to temporarily prevent pregnancy by interfering with ovulation. These pills contain estrogen and progestin together or just progestin, which disrupts the normal hormonal fluctuations (those hormones that are responsible for ovulation) and thickens the cervical mucus. This makes it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and fertilize eggs. Moreover, there are some pills that reduce the thickness of the uterine lining, making it less receptive to fertilized eggs. Sometimes, the effectiveness of the pills can vary because of other medications a woman is taking. When it comes to ECPs, these make the uterus less hospitable to fertilized eggs.

Now the main question is, how soon do the pills start working? 

Usually, pills start working immediately if taken on the first day of the period. However, they start working effectively after a week of consumption. Progestin-only birth control pills start working within 48 hours, and for consistent protection, they should be taken at the same time daily. If someone is planning to have intercourse during the first week of use, it is recommended to use protection for safety.

Some crucial points 

Some women do experience menstrual irregularities because of hormonal fluctuation, but remember, this totally depends on the contraception method and the individual. There are different possibilities, like irregular periods, difficulty conceiving due to irregular ovulation, etc. But you don’t have to worry, because after a month or so, your body balances the hormones and you will get your regular periods.

Type of delay after stopping pills — as per studies:

• Injectable contraceptives lead to the longest delay in expected fertility, about 5 to 8 cycles
• Oral pills and vaginal rings take about 3 cycles
• Patch contraceptives take about 3 cycles
• Hormonal and copper IUDs and implants take about 2 cycles

Factors that might delay pregnancy- But not due to pills 

This is important to note because people often blame birth control pills for not being able to conceive.

• Age-related – With age, women lose quality eggs, while men lose quality sperm, which causes issues in getting pregnant. In such cases, pills play no role in the ability to conceive.
• Underlying conditions – Older women are more likely to develop conditions like endometriosis, tubal disease, and uterine fibroids. Based on studies, 20% to 50% of women of reproductive age develop issues like fibroids, while the case doubles for women in their 30s, up to 77%.
• Stress and other lifestyle factors – Stress directly impacts ovulation by increasing cortisol levels in the body. Some cope with stress by consuming alcohol, smoking, or following an unhealthy diet, which further affects fertility. Pills only suppress ovulation; there is no link between improving any condition through contraceptive pills.

How to treat infertility? 

First, don’t blame birth control pills for your infertility. If you are experiencing issues with getting pregnant, go straight to a fertility expert. Aveya Fertility Centre can help you know the exact reason behind your infertility. IVF (in-vitro fertilization) is one of the best and most effective treatments for long-term infertility. Change your eating and lifestyle habits. Stress, overeating, lack of physical activity, and excessive use of screens directly hamper your hormones. A healthy diet, regular workouts, staying away from smoking and drinking, and minimizing screen time can help restore balance and support fertility.

The Final Caveat 

Birth control pills are an effective way to delay pregnancy, and there is no study linking them to infertility. Difficulty in getting pregnant after taking birth control pills for years might cause stress, but these pills are not harming your ability to conceive. Infertility can be linked to several factors, sometimes even unexplained ones. Seeking advice from experts at Aveya Fertility Centre can help uncover the situation. 

Healthcare professionals at Aveya Fertility Centre offer world-class facilities and expertise to help men and women receive the right treatment. 

For more relatable information, visit Aveya Fertility Centre, or contact them today!

 

FAQs

Can birth control pills delay ovulation? 

Yes, that is how a woman’s body prevents sperm from fertilizing eggs.

After how many days of stopping the pills will my cycle return to normal? 

In most cases, it can take up to 3 months for your cycle to return to its regular pattern. In some cases, it may take up to 6 months due to stress, body fat, PCOS, fibroids, thyroid issues, breastfeeding, etc.

How long should I wait before trying to conceive? 

Generally, doctors recommend waiting 2 or 3 months because ovulation may take time to return to its normal pattern.

What if I miss or consume more pills? 

There’s no need to be anxious. If you’ve missed one pill, continue taking the rest as usual. But don’t overconsume. If you’ve taken 2 pills to make up for a missed day, you might experience nausea, vaginal bleeding, or feel unwell; so talk to your gynecologist.

For how many days should I take birth control pills? 

It totally depends on how long you want to delay pregnancy. It’s best to consult an expert to understand how the pills work and how long you should use them.