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A lot of women come to the IVF clinics asking a few common questions…
- Can long-term use of birth control pills cause infertility?
- I wish to have two children with a good age gap. Do contraceptive pills affect future pregnancy?
- Can a copper IUD cause infertility?
Answer to all the above is NO! Pregnancy prevention pills pills are used by over 150 million women globally, reports the World Health Organization (WHO), and studies reveal that about 90-98% of women regain fertility within months after stopping the pill. According to recent surveys, the pill remains one of the most popular contraceptives, used by 20-30% of women of reproductive age in developed countries.
Despite these facts, myths about – can contraception cause infertility – persist. Today we are here to share with you the mechanisms of using birth control measures and dispelling myths around them; it is key for the couple to make healthy reproductive decisions.
Long-Term Use Of Birth Control Pills Causes Infertility – Myth Or Reality?
Many women worry that birth control tablets cause infertility, but this is a myth. Both regular and emergency contraceptive pills work by preventing ovulation and are safe for long-term use.
Studies show that 90-98% of women regain normal fertility within a few months after stopping the pill. In fact, the World Health Organization states that there’s no evidence linking these pills to permanent infertility.
If you have concerns about your fertility, like can birth control cause you to be infertile, then it’s best to speak with an infertility specialist for personalized advice and support.
Statistically, AlBendar says most users “regain hormonal balance within 3 to 6 months of [stopping] contraceptives.”
When to Stop Taking Birth Control Pills When Trying to Conceive?
You don’t need to wait long after stopping the pill to try for a baby; many women conceive right away, which means within three months of stopping the pills. We have already shared this above. According to studies, about 90% of women can become pregnant within a very less span of time after stopping birth control medications. What you have to remember is not the fear while taking these pills as birth control can’t lead to you to being infertile, but remember the fact that every woman is different.
So it’s important to pay attention to your body. If you have any concerns or irregular cycles after stopping long-term use of female contraceptive pills, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. They will help you understand your fertility better.
Why Do Infertility Patients Need To Take Birth Control Pills?
Not many women know that at times doctors prescribe oral birth control to infertile women. Yes, you heard it right. So this is another fact being shared now to answer you: Can extended use of contraceptive pills impact fertility? No, because infertility patients may be prescribed birth control tablets sometimes for several reasons.
- First, they can help regulate menstrual cycles, thereby making it easier for doctors to track ovulation and plan treatments.
- Second, birth control pills can reduce conditions like endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). These two gravely affect fertility. By controlling these issues, the pills create a healthier body environment for conception.
- Finally, doctors sometimes use them to pause a patient’s natural cycle before starting fertility treatments like IVF.
According to a 2013 Danish study published in the journal Human Reproduction, stopping oral contraceptives may lead to a short-term delay in becoming pregnant, typically lasting 2 to 6 months, compared to the use of other contraceptive methods.
Do Other Birth Control Measures Like IUDs Cause Infertility?
No, IUDs or intra-uterine devices do not permanently affect fertility. The common question here is can a copper IUD cause infertility? IUDs are small devices placed in the uterus and can stay for several years. The doctor puts it inside a woman’s uterus to help prevent pregnancy. It can be made of plastic or copper.
To understand how it works, we are explaining now:
- The IUD makes it hard for sperm to swim and reach an egg. So even if you have unprotected intercourse, the sperm cannot mate with the egg to create a baby.
- In a condition, when the sperm manages to fertilise the egg, in that case too IUD will prevent a pregnancy. See, the egg travels to the uterus, where it needs to stick to the lining to develop into a baby. But the IUD changes the uterine lining so that the egg won’t be able to settle in and start growing into a baby.
But once the IUD is removed, you can safely plan the pregnancy. IUDs are a reliable form of birth control beyond the pills, and they don’t affect your long-term fertility.
How IVF Can Help Women Facing Infertility Issues?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) can help women with infertility by aiding the process of fertilisation leading to pregnancy. During IVF, eggs are collected and fertilised with sperm inside specialsied equipments under controlled conditions. Once embryos develop, one or more are placed inside the woman’s uterus.
In India, average IVF success rates range from 50% to 70% for women under the age of 35. The number of successful IVF cases in India has increased significantly, from about 20,000 in the year 2000 to over 100,000 annually today. This offers hope to a large number of women in India and abroad. As per news sources, the annual number of foreign patients seeking IVF in India is about 20,000 to 30,000.
How to Get Pregnant if You Are Facing Fertility Issues?
If you’re facing infertility, there are several options to help you get pregnant. In-vitro fertilization (IVF) which we have already discussed above. The second method is intrauterine insemination (IUI) involves placing sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation to increase the chances of pregnancy. Surrogacy is another option where another woman carries the baby for you.
Is Fertility Impacted by Birth Control?
In Asia, including India, where approximately 9.3% of women aged 15-49 use oral contraceptives. But we have already proven to you that ‘birth control pills make you infertile’ is a myth! Now as a woman, you can feel empowered to use these contraceptives without fear of contraception causing infertility. If you have concerns about your reproductive health, write to us or contact us.
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