Contraception and fertility

Does the use of hormonal contraception affect a woman’s fertility? Kateryna Masich, MD, a gynaecologist from the Medfemina Clinic in Wrocław, answers this question.

How does hormonal contraception work ?

The main purpose of hormonal contraception is to be able to freely choose the time of birth and the number of children and to prevent unwanted pregnancies. To achieve this goal, a woman takes different doses of sex hormones (estrogen and progestogen or progestogen alone). Nowadays, hormonal contraception no longer comes only in the form of orally administered pills. Contraceptive patches, intramuscular injections, or vaginal rings are also available. All these measures, despite their various forms, work on the same principle – they stop ovulation. Under the time of use of intrauterine hormonal or non-hormonal (copper-containing) IUDs, the contraceptive mechanism is different and involves a local effect on the endometrium.

Does hormonal contraception take away fertility?

Yes, BUT only for the duration of its use. The contraceptive effect is fully reversible, meaning that a woman regains fertility very quickly after stopping the contraceptive. The hormones found in the pill or patch do not accumulate in the body, which is why there is virtually no trace of them after a short period of time. Slightly more time is needed for women who have used gestagen injections.

Scientific studies have proven that oral contraception does not impair future fertility, in addition, it reduces the risk of ectopic pregnancy. None of the preparations deprive a woman of the possibility of becoming pregnant forever. Contemporary contraceptives contain small doses of hormones, and therefore do not have such a significant effect on the body. This applies to the contraceptive pill as well as the patches, working in the same way, or the vaginal ring.

When is the best time to start trying for a baby after stopping birth control? 

Before deciding to stop hormonal contraception, it is always advisable to consult a gynaecologist, to receive valuable advice not only on folic acid and vitamin supplementation, but also on additional examinations and vaccinations recommended before pregnancy.

In fact, already in the first cycle after stopping the pill, the woman’s body is ready for conception. This is a safe procedure because they do not cause defects in the foetus even shortly after withdrawal. Of course, some ladies need a little more time to regain hormonal balance. This is because it all depends on the type of contraception you are using. It is generally considered that a couple should get pregnant just up to a year after stopping it.

In fact, already in the first cycle after stopping the pill, the woman’s body is ready for conception. This is a safe procedure because they do not cause defects in the foetus even shortly after withdrawal. Of course, some ladies need a little more time to regain hormonal balance. This is because it all depends on the type of contraception you are using. It is generally considered that a couple should get pregnant just up to a year after stopping it.

Are there better chances of having a baby after stopping birth control pills? Is it possible? 

Yes! In many women, fertility increases after stopping birth control pills because in the first cycles the stimulation of the ovaries is stronger and more than one ovum may be released. In this way, the body tries to „catch up” with a temporary lack of ovulation. In contrast, a greater number of released oocytes during a single ovulation increases the risk of multiple pregnancy.

Is fertility dependent on hormones?

Human fertility is controlled by quite complex mechanisms. How quickly you get pregnant doesn’t just depend on your hormone levels and the type of contraception you use. The ability to conceive a child is also greatly affected by lifestyle (diet, addictions, type of work), medications taken, and past illnesses. If we want to become parents quickly, we should keep all these factors in mind.