Does Birth Control Affect Fertility Long-Term?

Many women wonder if years of birth control will cause fertility problems later in life. The good news is that long-term use of birth control pills should not impact your ability to get pregnant.

“The hormones in the pill only stay in your body a short time, which is why you need to take one every day for the pill to be effective. So once you stop, you should return to your normal cycle, and your ability to get pregnant, within a few months,” says Dr. Tiffany Bersani, an OBGYN with Beaufort Memorial Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists in Beaufort and Okatie. “One exception is the birth control shot.”

If you are using Depo-Provera (or DMPA) it may take as long as six to 12 months after your last shot before your normal cycles return, and some women experience disruptions to their fertility for up to 18 months.

“Be sure to let your provider know your plans to start a family so you can explore other alternatives for birth control ahead of time,” Dr. Bersani says.

While infertility should not be a concern in terms of birth control use, Dr. Bersani says there are other risks of long-term usage. Some birth control pills may increase the risk of stroke, blood clots and heart attack in women who are already at risk for these things. There is also evidence that taking the pill may increase the risk for breast and cervical cancer. On the other hand, it may reduce the risk of ovarian, colorectal and endometrial cancers.

Download the Guide: Understanding Birth Control Options

“For the most part, these risks are minimal, but you should see your health care provider on a regular basis to monitor any possible side effects,” Dr. Bersani says. “But on the plus side, you may find that both your PMS and acne improve, and your periods are lighter and less painful.”

What Causes Issues With Fertility?

Dr. Bersani points out that while the pill does not impact fertility, other factors do.

“For instance, if you stop taking the pill after several years and find it difficult to get pregnant, it may be more likely related to your age and not your years of contraceptive use,” she says.

With some women, genetic factors may impact their ability to get pregnant.

“When it comes to conceiving, the more you know about your family medical history, the better,” Dr. Bersani says.

For example, it would be helpful to know:

• At what age your mother experienced menopause
• If your mother or sister(s) had trouble conceiving
• Whether your mother had a hysterectomy, and if so, at what age and why
• Your family history of reproductive disease or issues

Lifestyle can also have an impact on your ability to conceive. Consuming too much alcohol or caffeine can have an adverse effect on hormone production. And while it seems that smoking can be linked to all sorts of medical issues, studies have found that it may drastically affect your chances of getting pregnant, too.

“Smoking can have a major impact on fertility,” Dr. Bersani says. “Cigarette smoke — even secondhand smoke — can be disruptive to your hormones.”

Even your weight can be a factor. While being overweight is not a direct cause of infertility itself, it can also affect hormone production. The same is true if you’re too thin.

Read More: Your Pregnancy Journey: Rules of the Road

“Maintaining a healthy body weight by eating a healthy diet and exercising moderately is one of the most important things a woman can do to increase her chances of getting pregnant," Dr. Bersani says.

If you are planning a family and looking for an OBGYN, request an appointment with a Beaufort Memorial provider in Beaufort, Bluffton or Okatie.