Birth Control And Fertility

A woman’s body is complex and any changes can affect a woman’s cycle. These changes can sometimes be negatively attributed to the use of birth control. Birth control is often misconstrued, particularly when it comes to its effect on fertility. 

The link between birth control and fertility has caused many women to question their birth control choices. This article takes a comprehensive look at this link and whether this link is true or just a myth.

Key Takeaways

• Different birth control methods do have side effects on users including menstrual irregularities or delayed menstrual cycles. 
• Many women choose birth control from a referral from family and friends or which one has the least side effects. 
• Birth control does effectively prevent pregnancy, but each method depends on the one using it. 
• Natural birth control methods don’t effectively prevent pregnancy but have no side effects on the user. 

Can Birth Control Make You Infertile?

No. Birth control, no matter which method is used, does not result in infertility. Various studies have been done on the correlation between the two and a meta-analysis on the return of fertility after birth control on 14,884 women showed that a substantial number of women who stopped contraceptive use became pregnant within 12 months after they stopped their contraceptive of choice. 

Roots of this myth 

Birth control, though effective in pregnancy prevention, has been marred by negative side effects that sometimes cause delays in the menstrual cycle. Because of this, many women have concluded that the long-term effects of birth control can be infertility. 

This has increased the fear of birth control in many women, who may not be aware that birth control can mask underlying conditions, which are revealed when birth control is stopped. For this reason, women are advised to talk to a healthcare professional who is better placed to advise them on the best birth control method.

For those struggling with infertility after contraceptives, healthcare professionals like Ivy Fertility can help you discover what else could be going on. 

Which Birth control is Safe?

Each birth control has benefits and drawbacks. Let’s take a look at each of the birth control options available. 

Natural birth Control

Different natural birth control options mainly focus on tracking your cycle. Though gaining popularity, they may not be as effective in preventing pregnancy as other methods. 

• Withdrawal method: This method is also known as the pull-out method and is dependent on the male partner pulling out their penis just before ejaculation. This method requires a lot of self-control from a partner. 
• Cervical Mucus Method: To use this method, you must check the quantity, texture, and color of cervical mucus. During ovulation, cervical mucus is clearer and in plenty. This helps you know when you are most fertile.
• Basal Body Temperature Method: The basal method involves checking one’s basal body temperature using a thermometer every day. One is most fertile for two to three days before the temperature rises and this helps to avoid sex. However, it's important to remember that your temperature can rise when you are unwell, making this method unreliable. 
• The Rhythm Method: This method relies on tracking dates, but can be quite complicated. To use this method effectively, you must track your period for at least 6-12 months in order to accurately determine your most fertile days. This will help you know your shortest and longest cycles. 
• Standard Days Method (SDM): This is another tracking method that sets days 8 to 19 as fertile days for everyone, no matter their menstrual cycle. The method works well with those who have a cycle between 26 and 32 days. Those who choose this method use an app, a calendar, or even a color-coded set of beads to track their cycle. 

The Pill

The pill is one of the most popular forms of oral contraceptives. In fact, CDC, states that 12.6 percent of women across all age ranges use some form of oral contraceptive daily. There are two main types of birth control pills, each with hormones that regulate your cycle and prevent pregnancy.

• Progestin-only pills: These pills have one hormone (progestin), which works by thickening your cervical mucus so sperm doesn’t get to your eggs. This pill also this the lining of your uterus giving you lighter periods. You can get this pill from a prescription or over the counter and it must be taken every day.
• Combination pills: These pills contain estrogen and progestin. The combination pill keeps your ovaries from releasing an egg and ovulating. Each combination pill has different doses of estrogen and progestin. 

Any hormonal additions in the body can come with negative side effects. Potential side effects of the pill include:

• Nausea
• Weight gain
• Headaches
• Low libido
• Irritability
• Tenderness or swelling in the breasts
• Spotting between periods

If you face any alarming side effects, talk with your healthcare provider, who will be able to let you know on a way forward. 

Vaginal Rings

There are two main forms of vaginal rings - NuvaRings and Annovera rings. As the name suggests, they are ring-shaped devices inserted in a vagina to release hormones that prevent ovulation. The two vaginal rings work similarly but only differ in how they are used. 

The Annovera ring is a more long-term solution, lasting about a year. It is worn for three weeks, removed during the period week, and reinserted after seven days. On the other hand, the NuvaRing is worn for a month and discarded during the user’s period. 

Both rings release hormones to prevent ovulation. Users insert a small ring-shaped device into their vagina which releases these hormones that can be absorbed through the vaginal lining.

Negative side effects that may arise from the use of the ring include:

• Nausea
• Headaches
• Sore breasts
• Spotting between periods
• Vaginal discharge 

Implants

Implants are contraceptives placed below the skin on the user’s upper arm. They change hormone levels in the body and prevent ovulation and fertilization. The implant lasts around 3 years and works by slowly releasing progestin. Progestin prevents ovulation and thickens the mucus in your cervix, making it hard for sperm to reach an egg if ovulation happens. 

Once you want to stop using the implant, you can have the implant removed without lasting effects on fertility.

Side effects from the implant can be:

• Bruising or swelling at the insertion site 
• Spotting
• Headaches
• Mood swings
• Changes in the menstrual cycle
• Acne
• Sore breasts

Intrauterine Devices

Intrauterine devices, commonly known as IUDs, come as hormonal IUDs and copper IUDs. IUDs prevent sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg and are preferred by many as a long-term berth control option, lasting anywhere from three to 10.

You can remove your IUD at any time and get pregnant right away. The hormonal IUD has similar side effects as other hormonal contraceptives, while the copper IUD's negative effects can be:

• Ectopic pregnancy
• Heavy bleeding when first inserted
• Severe cramps
• Spotting between periods

Injections

Birth control injections are progestin-based contraceptives taken in three-month cycles. As already mentioned, progestin stops ovulation and discourages the fertilization of eggs. The injection is the least reversible form of contraceptives. This is because you must wait until the injection hormones leave your body before you get pregnant. 

Common side effects include:

• Changes in your periods, including a complete stop in periods
• Weight gain
• Hot flushes
• Acne
• Mood changes
• Bruising or swelling at the injection site 
• Lower sex drive
• Headaches

In Conclusion

Changes in your body, like fluctuations in weight, headaches, low libido, and changes in the menstrual cycle among many others can occur as a result of contraceptives. These effects can mask other symptoms that affect fertility. Therefore, it is easy to see why the myth that birth control causes infertility is prevalent. 

Before choosing birth control, talk with your healthcare provider to find a solution that works well for your body, especially if you plan to conceive in the future.