Does birth control cause infertility? Perhaps you’ve wondered the same. In fact, many women ask if birth control causes infertility, particularly if they have had problems getting pregnant after stopping contraception.
1 out of 5 women use birth control
About 1 in 5 women in the U.S. use birth control regularly. In fact, the Pill is the leading form of birth control in the U.S.
But does birth control cause infertility? Some believe there is a link between certain types of contraception and infertility, particularly until the hormones have cleared out of the body. Others report that birth control causes infertility since ovulation may be delayed for months after stopping the Pill. Still, recent studies have shown that this is not likely to happen. Let’s look at the main types of contraception available.
Methods to block conception
Barrier Methods
Barrier methods of birth control are worn by the female or the male. This type of birth control keeps the man’s sperm from entering the woman’s body and includes:
- Male condom
- Female condom
- Spermicides
- Sponge
- Diaphragm or cervical cap
- Lea’s Shield
Hormonal Methods
This type of contraception contains hormones – estrogen, progestin or a combination of both – that are effective in preventing pregnancy. Commonly used hormonal methods of birth control include:
- Birth control pills
- Skin patch
- Hormonal vaginal contraceptive ring
- Injections
- Implants
- Emergency contraception (not a regular method of birth control)
Implantable Rod
This small, flexible rod is implanted under the skin of your upper arm. The birth control rod releases the hormone progestin that blocks conception.
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
A doctor places the IUD inside your uterus to prevent pregnancy. Popular IUDs include:
- Mirena intrauterine system (IUS), which releases the hormone progestin to prevent conception
- Copper T IUD that’s shaped like a “T” and can stay in the uterus for a decade
Fertility Tracking
For generations, women have used this natural birth control. Fertility tracking includes using various methods to chart the following:
- changes to your cervical mucus
- the rise and fall of your basal body temperature
- other physical signs to know exactly when you ovulate so you can avoid pregnancy
Sterilization
Sterilization is used by those who want a permanent method of contraception. A tubal ligation or “tying tubes” is a popular type of sterilization for women.
For men, a vasectomy is commonly used. This relatively simple procedure blocks sperm from going to the man’s penis so the ejaculate contains no sperm. It’s usually done outpatient yet can take several months before it is completely effective. In the meantime, use other protection.
Depo-Provera, IUDs and infertility
If you use Depo-Provera, it may take longer for you to be fertile. Depo-Provera sometimes takes longer to leave the body when compared to hormonal birth control methods.
Women who use copper IUDs may expect their fertility to remain normal after it is removed. Overall, IUDs do not seem to cause future problems with fertility.
Even if sterilization is reversed, there’s no guarantee that you can get pregnant. Findings show that ectopic pregnancies are more likely to occur after a sterilization reversal.
So… does birth control cause infertility?
If you’re searching for answers on the use of birth control and infertility, talk openly with your doctor. He or she can guide you in selecting effective birth control that guards against pregnancy now and protects your future fertility.
Sources: National Institute of Health: Reproductive Health Womenshealth.gov: Birth Control Methods: American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology: Sterilization by Laparoscopy American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology: The Intrauterine Device American Pregnancy Association: Depo-Provera: Quarterly Injection American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology: Birth Control Centers for Disease Control: Unintended Pregnancy Prevention: Contraception
