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Can birth control cause infertility
Birth control is a safe and popular method used by women of reproductive age for protection against unwanted pregnancy. It includes a variety of pills, devices and release systems designed to prevent the fertilization of eggs or implantation of embryos in the uterine lining.
Combined birth control pills also have its use in the field of assisted reproductive technologies. Fertility specialists prescribe combined pills when it is necessary to plan treatment for particular future dates or synchronize the patient’s and the egg donor’s cycles.
Types of Birth Control and Their Mechanisms
Hormonal Birth Control
Historically, hormonal birth control is mainly represented by combined pills containing progestogen and oestrogen and mini pills containing only progestogen. The combined pill was introduced in the 1960s, and is used by more than 100 million women worldwide. Additionally, there are IUS (intrauterine system, or hormonal coil), contraceptive implants, patches and shots which are the alternative systems used to deliver the same hormones.
Shortly, hormonal birth control inhibits regular ovulation, but what particularly does it mean?
Eggs grow and mature inside follicles (also called follicular cysts). These are small sacs filled with fluid. During ovulation the follicle ruptures, and a fully matured egg gets released and moved from the ovary to a fallopian tube. Ovulation stops against the backdrop of birth control pill intake.
Birth control pills also alter the cervical mucus in a way that prevents progressive movement of sperms.
Such effects make natural conception impossible in 99% of women.
Non-Hormonal Birth Control
Non-hormonal birth obviously includes condoms and IUD (copper-releasing intrauterine device), as well as other means. Condoms remain the only effective way of protection against STIs (sexually transmitted infections). Copper intrauterine device remains a very popular non-hormonal means to prevent pregnancy. However, it has a downside of slightly increasing the chances of ectopic pregnancy compared to other solutions, and may also increase menstrual blood loss.
The Effects of Birth Control on Fertility and Life
Potential Temporary Side Effects
The most common side effects of hormonal birth control are sickness, nausea and breast tenderness. They typically go away within a few days. The menstrual cycle may become less predictable and bleeding heavier. Breakthrough bleedings frequently occur during the first several months.
Common Fertility Concerns
Many women are concerned that interrupting the ovulation process with birth control or insertion of a foreign object inside the uterus may negatively affect fertility in the long run.
The effect of non-surgical birth control usage is reversible and the ovulation process should restart quickly. Pregnancy can occur within the same cycle you stop taking the pills or remove your IUD / IUS.
Other Important Concerns
Changes to weight and libido are the dominant fears among women considering birth control.
Weight increase while on birth control pills has not been proven yet. In fact, water retention may increase. That may temporarily alter your weight during the first several months of intake.
Libido may change in approximately 15% of women. This issue has been linked to insufficient testosterone production. If the pill changes your sex drive in a negative way, remember that it will be back to normal once you cancel it. Consider another type of contraception instead, like copper IUD or condoms.
Birth Control Benefits
Birth control pills have been found to be successful in normalizing the menstrual cycle. They relieve severe PMS symptoms, headaches and diminish the amount of acne. Such positive effects can significantly improve the quality of life.
Birth control may be beneficial to women suffering from endometriosis and provide protection against endometrial proliferative diseases.
PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is another instance in which the pill can help. The condition is characterized by development of multiple cysts or on inside the ovaries. Although taking birth control pills will not decrease the size of existing functional ovarian cysts or make them go away, a new cyst or cysts may be prevented from forming.
Birth control pills also slightly reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer. Some research has shown that they may contribute to slowing down the aging of the female fertility system.
Consulting with Healthcare Professionals
Although the pills are sold over-the-counter, you shouldn’t self-prescribe them. There are various conditions and medications that don’t pair well with it. For example, hormonal pills are not particularly compatible with anticonvulsants and antifungal medicines. In addition, patients who are at risk of developing blood clots or have a history of cancer in their family should proceed with caution and consider other types of birth control.
Consult with your obstetrics and gynecology (ObGyn) doctor and undergo a pelvic ultrasound in order to find out which type of birth control is an appropriate choice.
