Do Birth Control Pills Cause Infertility?

Duly Care
Jun 18
5 min read

Many women who take birth control pills often wonder whether it can affect their chances of getting pregnant later. It is a common fear, especially for those who have been on the pill for several years.

This blog will help clear up the confusion by explaining what fertility means, what infertility is, how birth control pills work, and finally, whether these pills can actually harm your fertility.

Key Takeaways:

Fertility means the ability to get pregnant. A woman is most fertile during ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary), which usually happens during the middle of her menstrual cycle.
Infertility means not being able to get pregnant after trying for 12 months. It can be caused by various issues like irregular periods, blocked fallopian tubes, low egg count, or health conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and thyroid problems.
The birth control pill is a hormonal medication taken daily to prevent pregnancy. It contains synthetic versions of the natural hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Research says that birth control pills do not cause infertility. They pause ovulation while being taken, but have no lasting effect on fertility once stopped. The natural menstrual cycle usually returns within a few weeks or months.

Understanding Fertility and Infertility

Fertility refers to a woman's natural ability to become pregnant. A woman is considered fertile when her ovary regularly releases eggs during her menstrual cycle, and the conditions inside her body support pregnancy. Most women are fertile during the middle of their menstrual cycle, usually around 10 to 14 days after their last period began. This is called the ovulation window.

Infertility is when a woman is not able to get pregnant even after trying regularly for one year (or for six months if she is over the age of 35). This does not mean she will never get pregnant. It just means that her body might be facing challenges in getting pregnant. It is advisable to see a doctor if this occurs.

Infertility can be caused by several different reasons. Some of the most common causes in women include:

Problems with ovulation
Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis
Blocked fallopian tubes
Thyroid problems
Being underweight or overweight
High levels of stress
Age, especially after 35

It’s important to understand that infertility is not caused by one thing alone. In many cases, it’s a combination of factors.

What are Birth Control Pills?

Birth control pills are hormonal medications that are taken every day to prevent pregnancy. These contain synthetic versions of the natural female hormones estrogen and progesterone. These synthetic hormones mimic the functions of the natural ones and regulate the menstrual cycle.

Here’s how the birth control pills work:

They stop the ovaries from releasing an egg (a process called ovulation) so that there is no egg to be fertilised by sperm.
They thicken the mucus in the cervix (the opening to the uterus), so sperm can’t pass through easily and reach the egg.
They thin the inner lining of the uterus so that even if an egg is fertilised, it won’t attach there and won't develop into a pregnancy.

There are two main types of birth control pills - combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs), which contain both estrogen and progestin (synthetic form of progesterone), and progestin-only pills, which contain only progestin. These pills are widely used by millions of women across the world. But many still worry if taking these pills will affect their fertility in future.

Can Birth Control Pills Cause Infertility?

Many women wonder if they will be able to get pregnant after they stop taking birth control pills. The good news is that there is no evidence to show that taking birth control pills for a long time causes infertility. Studies have found that long-term use does not damage fertility in any way.

Since birth control pills are taken daily, these pills only prevent pregnancy as long as they are being used. Once the pills are stopped, the natural menstrual cycle resumes shortly. Ovulation usually begins again within a few weeks to a couple of months after stopping the pills. Some might start getting their natural period again immediately, while for others it may take a little longer. This is normal and does not mean the woman has become infertile.

It should be noted that:

If a woman had irregular periods before starting birth control pills, such as in conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), those issues may return after stopping the pill. It may seem like the birth control pills caused the problem, but they had only covered it up by regulating periods while the pills were being taken.
Fertility naturally starts to decline with age, especially after 35. If a woman has difficulty getting pregnant after stopping birth control pills at that age, it could be due to the natural decline in fertility, not the pills.
Pregnancy does not always happen right away. It can take time for it to occur, whether or not a woman has used birth control pills before.

Conclusion

Worries about birth control pills and fertility are very common, especially when you’re thinking about having children later. But research tells us that birth control pills are safe, effective, and do not cause infertility. If you are facing difficulties getting pregnant after stopping the pills, it is a good idea to visit a doctor to check for possible causes of infertility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it hard to get pregnant after stopping birth control pills?
Most women can get pregnant soon after stopping the pills. Some may get pregnant within a few weeks, while for others it might take a few months. This delay is normal and not a sign of infertility.
Is being on birth control pills for 10 years bad?
No, using birth control pills for 10 years is not bad for most healthy women. It does not harm your fertility, and it can even prevent some types of health conditions.
What causes infertility in females?
Infertility in women can be caused by problems with ovulation, blocked fallopian tubes, conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis, thyroid issues, being underweight or overweight, age, and other medical factors. There is no evidence to show that birth control pills cause infertility.

Important

This blog, including its text, images, and infographics, is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. For personalised advice, always consult a doctor.