Hormonal Birth Control & Fertility Problems

Hormone birth control methods are convenient for those times you don’t want to be pregnant but still want to participate in intercourse with your partner. They quietly and discretely block your body from creating a child. They do come with certain medical risks. However, they most likely do not include certain infertility issues.

How They Work

Hormone birth control methods deliver low doses of hormones to your body, through a shot, a pill or a vaginal ring or other intrauterine device. These low doses cause certain changes in your reproductive system and your menstrual cycle. They may stop your body from dropping an egg or they may thicken your vaginal mucus, preventing sperm from moving or fertilized eggs sticking.

Long-Term Effects

Many studies show that hormones in birth control do not increase the chances of infertility in women in the long term. Because they upset your cycle, your body may take some time to recover back into a regular cycle, preventing pregnancy for a few months even after you stop. This may be about the same amount of time it takes most women to get pregnant anyway.

Being Unaware

Because hormonal birth control methods upset your cycle or interrupt it temporarily, you may not be aware of your natural cycle and your hormones without any medication. Knowing when you ovulate helps to guarantee that you have intercourse at the right time to increase your chances. The birth control masks or confuses this for a while. You may find yourself unaware of your cycle and trying to conceive without success.

What To Do

Once you are ready to start trying, or a few months before, get off the birth control pill or stop the treatments. Allow your body to sync itself back into a regular cycle. Don’t get frustrated if your body needs a few months to recover. Be aware of your menstrual cycle. Once you are back on track, you will be ready to conceive.

Consult An Expert

Your gynecologist should be up to date with the latest findings about the various birth control methods and their side effects on women. Discuss your personal goals with your doctor. If you wish to have a baby soon or plan to put it off for a few years, your doctor can help you choose a method, hormonal or not, that will be most conducive to your reproductive needs.