If you’re struggling to conceive, you might be exploring all the options. During your search, you may wonder, “Can birth control help with infertility?”
There are various birth control options designed to prevent pregnancy—but could any of them make conception more challenging in the long run?
Read on to learn how different birth control methods impact fertility. We’ll also discuss one method that could potentially speed up the path to pregnancy.
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Menstrual cycle tracking to improve fertility
- IUDs and their impact on fertility
- Fertility and hormonal birth control
- The relationship between not using condoms and infertility
Does birth control affect fertility?
To understand how birth control affects fertility, we need to look at the different types and methods of contraception.
1. Menstrual cycle tracking can improve fertility awareness
Tracking your menstrual cycle is often used as a natural form of birth control, but it can also boost your chances of conceiving. Moreover, by learning to recognize the days before ovulation, you can also identify your optimal window for sex.
There are 3 main ways to track your cycle:
- Temperature: Your body temperature slightly increases during ovulation.
- Cervical Mucous: You’ll typically notice more clear mucous two to three days before ovulation.
- Calendar Method: Track your menstrual cycle on a calendar.
You can also use a menstrual cycle tracking app to help. One study found that using such apps increased the likelihood of conception by 12 to 20%.
2. IUDs don’t increase the risk of infertility
Misconceptions about IUDs and long-term fertility persist. IUDs are T-shaped devices inserted into the uterus, with two types: copper and hormonal.
Hormonal IUDs, like Mirena or Skyla, release progestin. Myths about IUDs stem from early versions, which had design flaws causing certain health problems. However, modern versions are much safer.
As well, a 2018 review of 13 studies found no correlation between IUDs and infertility. Furthermore, after removal, the one-year pregnancy rate was 84%, similar to other forms of contraception. Both older and recent research also confirms that copper IUDs (e.g., ParaGard) don’t affect fertility after removal either.
3. Hormonal birth control has no lasting effect on fertility
Oral contraceptives
Despite common myths, oral contraceptives don’t cause infertility. However, research shows a brief period of reduced fertility as the hormone clears from your system, but the average one-year pregnancy rate is 87%.
Vaginal Ring
The NuvaRing releases hormones when inserted into the vagina. Studies on rats showed fertility returned after stopping treatment. As well, similar to oral contraceptives, a brief period of reduced fertility may occur as your body adjusts.
Patch
The Ortho Evra patch releases sticks to your body and releases hormones into your body. While there’s no evidence linking it to infertility after removal, users may wait longer to conceive. For instance, one study found it took four months on average to return to normal fertility.
Injection
Depo-Provera, a progesterone shot given every three months, seems to have the most significant short-term impact on fertility. For instance, research shows it takes five to eight months on average for fertility to return to normal after discontinuing the shot. However, a review of eight studies found that 74.4% of women conceived within a year after stopping the injection.
Implant
The Nexplanon implant, a small plastic rod inserted under the skin, releases progesterone. Studies indicate it takes about two months (or two cycles) for fertility to return to normal after removal. Therefore, this is one of the shortest transition periods for any birth control method. Keep in mind that the implant needs to be replaced every three years, and failure to do so could compromise fertility.
4. There’s a correlation between not using condoms, STIs, and fertility levels
In some cases, not using “barrier” contraception can lead to infertility. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia and gonorrhea can interfere with conception. Therefore, this is why condoms are recommended for people with multiple or untested partners.
Final Answer: Can birth control cause infertility in the future?
There’s no evidence that birth control affects fertility in the long term. However, a short period of adjustment is expected after you discontinue use. While keeping this in mind, consider the one birth control method that can help boost your fertility: Menstrual cycle tracking.
Starting your fertility journey? Download our patient referral form for more guidance.
