Birth Control and Fertility

Birth control is central to family building success. With so many types available, deciding on which type is most suitable, in consideration of both the side effects and future family building plans, can be a daunting task. 

To assist in this process, we shall be breaking down birth control - the types, their use, side effects - and more importantly, the ways in which it may impact your family building plans.

Does Birth Control Cause Infertility?

No, in and of itself, birth control has not been found to be the cause of infertility regardless of the type used or the duration of use. What usually occurs is that with some types of contraception, one may experience a delay in becoming pregnant as the body readjusts back to its normal cycle.

If an individual is facing challenges with infertility, medical testing often reveals that other underlying issues are the cause, and not the specific contraception method that one was using prior. Other factors that come into play as far as infertility is concerned are illness, stress, and lifestyle.

Types of Birth Control

Since there are several types of birth control methods available, both hormone-based and non-hormonal options. As such, it is best to be open to trying a few types before settling on one, because different factors affect how effective a method of contraception is, and this varies from one individual to another.

Take into consideration, what is your lifestyle? How long do you plan on using contraception? Which type do you feel comfortable using? How has your body responded to the chosen method? What are your future family building plans? With this in mind, let us discuss contraception in more detail.

Hormone Based Contraception

Oral Contraceptive Pills

Oral contraceptive pills are the most common birth control method, preferred by 14% of females in the US. They come in two types of regimens; combination pills, and progestin-only pills, both of which are taken daily. They have a dual function that is, discouraging fertilization on one hand, while preventing implantation of the embryo on the other.

Oral contraceptives manipulate the hormones that regulate a menstrual cycle, causing delayed ovulation or deterred ovulation. As a result, cervical mucus thickens making it difficult for sperm to swim to fertilize an egg, and the uterine lining becomes thin, discouraging any possible fertilized egg from implanting itself.  

Combination pills

These are so named because there are two types of pill in the regimen; hormone-based pills and placebos. The hormone-based pills are taken for a duration of three weeks preventing conception. On the fourth week when the user is having their period, placebo pills are taken. 

Progestin-only pills

Progesterone is a hormone that not only helps the uterus in regulating menstrual cycles, it also supports a pregnancy once conception occurs. Progestin mimics progesterone, and as such, progestin-based birth control causes a person to have either a very short period, or to have no period at all. If you cannot take the pill with consistent timing each day - especially progestin-only pills - consider another type of birth control.

Implants

A birth control implant is a small rod that is inserted just below the skin’s surface on the upper arm, and remains effective for up to five years.  

After insertion, the site may swell or become bruised, but not for longer than a few days. It is advantageous in that it does not have a regimen like pills do.

It works similarly to combination pills, releasing both estrogen and progestin, and seizing both ovulation and fertilization. Some users may experience unpredictable or abnormal bleeding, requiring them to discontinue its use.

Vaginal Rings

Vaginal rings are inserted into the vagina once for a duration of time and are removed during the user’s period. They also release estrogen and progestin, which are absorbed through the vaginal lining, preventing ovulation, and lowering the chances of a pregnancy occurring. 

The two types of vaginal rings available are NuvaRing and Annovera. The NuvaRing is worn between periods. It is removed and disposed of during the period itself, and a new ring reinserted after the period ends. 

Annovera rings are also worn in between the user’s periods. The difference is that they are reusable for up to 13 cycles before being replaced. For hygiene purposes, between uses, an Annovera ring must always be stored in its casing, in a safe, climate-controlled environment.

Birth control rings may cause headaches, nausea, sore breasts, spotting between periods and a vaginal discharge in the first few months of use.

Injections

Birth control injections are progestin-based, last up to three months, and are the least reversible form of contraception because they are injected right into the bloodstream. However, they are the most discrete, providing users with a sense of privacy.

Intrauterine Devices

Intrauterine devices( IUDs) come in hormone-based and copper-based forms. They prevent sperm from reaching the egg and fertilizing it and can be used for a duration of up to eight years.

Hormonal IUDs

These IUDs contain progestin which is released right into the uterus, but in smaller quantities than other hormone-based birth control methods. As a result, the side effects in comparison, are minimized. 

Progestin delays or stops ovulation from occuring, thickens the consistency of cervical mucus, causes thinning in the uterine lining, and reduces or prevents the monthly bleeding. These combined tend to prevent pregnancy from occurring. 

NOTE:

When it comes to hormone-based contraception, it stands to reason that changing or interrupting the natural pattern of hormone production would affect a person in different ways, causing varied side effects like nausea, bloating, spotting, breast tenderness, and even depression.

Copper IUDs

With these IUDs, the copper wrapped around the IUD itself is sufficient to repel sperm and prevent them from entering the uterus in the first place.

Copper IUDs do not affect the hormonal balance of the body, making them ideal for people who may struggle with the side effects of hormone-based contraceptives.

Summary

Birth control in and of itself does not have any impact on fertility. Each individual is unique and therefore it is expected that there will be variances in how quickly a person can become pregnant as the body readjust to its regular hormonal rhythms, when they come off birth control.

Inform your healthcare provider about your future plans for conception beforehand, so that they can assist you in selecting the most suitable birth control plan, as well as set your expectations for the time you stop using birth control.

Birth control is not without its risks, and hormone-based birth control in particular has various side effects affecting different users in different ways. Adverse reactions must be reported right away in order to manage them and find alternative solutions.

For more information about birth control contact Ivy Fertility. We are happy to walk with you as you consider different family planning options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will previous birth control use affect my unborn child?

If you had come off birth control before becoming pregnant, your unborn child will not be affected by your previous use of birth control. If you were on birth control at the time you became pregnant, it could affect the unborn child. Consult with a professional healthcare provider for guidance.

Can I get pregnant while still using birth control?

Yes, it is possible to conceive even when you are using birth control. Contraception simply lowers the chances of pregnancy significantly, but not completely. Other factors like the use of other medications sometimes reduce the efficacy of birth control. 

Can birth control make my cycle irregular?

Yes, birth control can cause irregularities in your cycle, if it is hormone-based. Irregularities include spotting, bleeding for a shorter or longer duration, lighter or heavier bleeding during your period, irregular periods, or a complete stop to menstruation.