Birth Control and Fertility

The use of birth control methods gives people the room to plan how they will build their families, both in the number of children they will have and how they are spaced. As such, a person can use a birth control method for as long as they need. There are different types of birth control methods and depending on a person’s needs and lifestyle, the variety gives them room to find the most suitable method. 

This article will be discussing the different types of birth control, and in particular what impact they may have on fertility. We shall also look into some side effects that one may experience as they use the birth control method. It must be pointed out that side effects vary from one individual to another, and any adverse side effects must be reported to a healthcare provider in order to get the proper assistance. 

Does Birth Control Cause Infertility?

The most common concern that people have regarding birth control has to do with the impact it would have on their fertility. Granted, while one may want to prevent pregnancy from occurring for a time, they would not want to find themselves unable to have children naturally as a result of their choice in birth control. You can go ahead and take a sigh of relief because the truth is, birth control does not cause infertility. It does not matter the method used or for how long the method has been used. 

When one gets off birth control, the body may take a little while to readjust to its natural normal rhythm, before pregnancy can occur. While most birth control methods rely on hormones in order to be effective, the delay in becoming pregnant is not an indicator of infertility. In fact, the usual suspects when it comes to infertility are disease, lifestyle choices and even stress. Infertility can be addressed in most cases, when it is attended to  by a professional healthcare provider. Therefore it helps to be patient when coming off birth control in order to become pregnant.

Types of Birth Control

There are a variety of birth control methods and no one size fits all. Birth control is divided into two main categories, hormone-based and non-hormonal methods.  Due to the uniqueness of each individual, it is recommended that one try a few methods before settling on one, in order to find the most suitable fit. 

The process of selecting a birth control method should also take into consideration the duration of use, how comfortable one is with the method chosen, a person’s lifestyle and family building plans, and how the body has responded to the method chosen. That said, let us look into the various types of birth control, how they work, and what their side effects are. 

Hormone Based Contraception

Oral Contraceptive Pills

Oral contraceptives pills are used by about 14 percent of females in the US. As a hormone based contraceptive, its function is in manipulating natural hormone function in order to inhibit both ovulation and fertilization. In the body, the cervical mucus becomes thickened, and the uterine lining becomes thinner. 

The thickened cervical mucus makes it difficult for sperm to make its way up the uterus and into the fallopian tube for fertilization, and in the event that fertilization may occur, the thinned uterine lining prevents the embryo from implanting itself in the uterine wall. 

These pills come as progestin-only pills, or combination pills. They are daily dose pills meaning that a person needs to take them at the same time each day in order for them to be effective. Let us give you a little more detail about oral contraceptives.

Progestin-only pills

Progesterone is the hormone that is naturally produced in the body. Its function is to regulate a person’s cycle, and is one of the key hormones that support pregnancy. Progestin-only birth control pills are formulated in a way that mimics this hormone, causing a person to have no menstruation, or if they do, to menstruate for a short period. These have to be taken at the same time each day, therefore a person needs to ensure that they can maintain the schedule.

Combination pills 

As the name suggests, combination pills are a combination of pills. One set is a progestin pill, while the other set is a placebo pill. The progestin pills are taken for about three weeks and the placebo pills are taken when the user has their period. Placebo pills do not have any effect on the body in the same way that the progestin pills do. As well, a person needs to take them on schedule in order for the pills to be effective in preventing pregnancy from occurring.

Implants

Implants are small rods that are about as long as a matchstick. They are inserted in the arm just beneath the skin’s surface. They contain progestin and estrogen which are released in turns in order to prevent ovulation, fertilization and implantation. 

Implants are convenient for those whose lifestyle prevents them from maintaining the schedule required of contraceptive pills. This method is also particularly convenient because once the implant is in, it is effective for up to five years. 

Typically, a person may experience some mild swelling or bruising around the insertion site after the implant is put in, but this resolves within a few days. When a user experiences adverse reactions like abnormal bleeding or unpredictable bleeding, this may be a reason to stop using the implant for contraception. 

Vaginal Rings

Vaginal rings contain both progestin and estrogen which are released and absorbed through the vaginal wall. They are used for a period of about three weeks and then removed during a user’s menstrual flow. Below are two types of vaginal rings:

NuvaRing

This vaginal ring is worn for three weeks and then it is removed during a user's period. This particular ring is designed to be used only one time, and must be discarded once removed. Once a cycle ends, a user has a five day window to insert another vaginal ring. It must be pointed out that some users may have a longer menstrual cycle that may require them to keep the ring in for a little longer. It is safe to continue to use it for longer than three weeks, but it must not be used for longer than four weeks. 

Annovera Ring

This ring functions the same way that NuvaRings do, and is used in the same way, between a user’s monthly period. The main difference between the two is that while a NuvaRing is for one time use, Annovera rings can be re-used for up to 13 cycles. They are sold with a casing where they can be put when not in use.

Vaginal rings and contraceptive pills both cause side effects which are similar such as sore breasts, nausea, spotting between periods, headaches and a vaginal discharge in the first few months of use.

Injections

Injections for birth control are the most discreet and the most convenient because they are typically administered once every three months. Whereas one can stop taking pills, and remove vaginal rings of implants, one cannot remove the injection from the bloodstream once it is in. This means that when one wants to become pregnant, they would have to wait for the injection’s effects to wear out.

Intrauterine Devices

Intrauterine devices are also referred to as IUDs. They are inserted into the uterus through the cervix and preventing the sperm from reaching the egg. IUDs can be used for a duration of up to eight years and come in two types; non-hormonal and hormonal. Due to the duration of use, they are ideal for people who do not have immediate plans for family building. 

Copper IUDs

The element that makes this form of birth control effective is the copper that is wrapped around the IUD. Copper is a form of sperm-repellent that stops the sperm from entering the uterus. This type of IUD is particularly valuable to people who have had challenges using hormone-based birth control, or people who simply prefer a non-hormonal type of contraceptive. 

Hormonal IUDs

For people who do not mind the hormonal element of contraception, the hormone-based IUD is a convenient option. However, due to the fact that it relies on hormones, one can expect that there may be some side effects. However, because of the duration a user can wear the IUD, the side-effects can be quite mild, as the hormone is released in much smaller quantities over time.  

Summary

In order for family planning to be effective, some form of contraception is necessary. Birth control in general does not cause infertility therefore if one has concerns about infertility, they should consult with a professional healthcare provider. Birth control however does have side-effects, but they vary from one person to another. They include breast tenderness, bloating, nausea, spotting and could even cause depression.  

Consulting with a healthcare provider beforehand is useful in determining the type of birth control suited to one’s lifestyle and age. As well, once a person comes off birth control, there is likely to be a delay in the return of their normal menstrual cycle. If you would like to explore birth control options, contact the experts at IVF Fertility Center. We are here to walk with you in your family building journey, and help you chart the best course forward.