Birth Control and Fertility

Birth control methods give people choice regarding when to begin building their families. Whereas birth control is a necessity for family planning, concerns arise regarding the side-effects of using birth control methods and how they may affect future fertility. Over the years, the birth control methods available have increased not only in variety, but in sophistication. When it comes to choosing a method, it can be overwhelming. 

Since the process of selecting the most suitable birth control method can be challenging, we have put together this article to help you understand different types of birth control better. As well, we shall discuss what their side effects are, and especially the different ways these methods impact a person’s fertility or their family building plans. 

Does Birth Control Cause Infertility?

Birth control in and of itself has not been associated with infertility. This is true across the types of birth control regardless of the duration of use. Typically, because of the nature of most birth control methods, when one is ready to become pregnant, they may experience a delay as the body returns to its natural cycle.

Infertility is typically as a result of illness or disease, as well, stress and lifestyle choices. It is recommended that if one is concerned about infertility, that they see a professional healthcare provider for testing in order to discover what the cause is. Usually, a birth control method is not the cause.

Types of Birth Control

When selecting a birth control method, one will find hormone-based and non-hormonal types. It is recommended that one tries a few types of birth control before they finalize their selection. The reason for this is that different birth control methods present different side effects on different people.

As you select the method of birth control, consider the following: the duration you want to use birth control for, the type you feel most comfortable using, how your body has responded to the method of choice, your lifestyle, and your future family building plans. So let us delve into the information you need to make this decision with ease. 

Hormone Based Contraception

Oral Contraceptive Pills

The most common birth control method is the oral contraceptive pill - or the pill as it is more commonly known - is used by about 14 percent of the female populace in the US. The way the pill works is by manipulating the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle of a user. 

This manipulation causes the user to delay ovulation or prevent ovulation from occuring altogether. As well, oral contraceptives thicken cervical mucus making it near impossible for the sperm to reach the egg for fertilization. The uterine lining also becomes quite thin, discouraging any fertilized egg from implanting itself. 

Oral contraceptive pills come in two types; one is a series of progestin-only pills, and the other is a series of combination pills which are taken daily. They are best for people whose schedule allows them to take the pill with consistent timing every day. We shall briefly discuss the differences between the two below:

Combination pills

Combination pills are a combination of placebo pills and hormone-based pills. The hormone-based pills are taken over a period of three weeks, and primarily serve to prevent conception. In the fourth week, when the user begins their period, they take placebo pills which have no effect on the body. 

Progestin-only pills

Progestin-only pills are formulated to mimic the natural hormone, progesterone which helps in regulating a person’s menstrual cycle. Additionally, when a person becomes pregnant, progesterone is a vital hormone in supporting the pregnancy as it progresses. Progestin-only birth control results in a person experiencing a very short period, or to have no period at all. 

Implants

A birth control implant itself is a device that resembles a small rod, and is usually inserted just below the skin’s surface on the upper arm. It works like the combination pill regimen, releasing both progestin and estrogen in turn, to prevent ovulation and fertilization. Birth control implants are ideal for people who cannot maintain the regular schedule that birth control pills require.

The insertion site may become swollen or bruised after the implant is placed in the arm, but it does not last for more than a few days. Additionally, some users report having unpredictable or abnormal bleeding that may require them to stop using it. Another valuable aspect of the implant is that it is effective for five years after the date of insertion. 

Vaginal Rings

The use of vaginal rings is similar to combination pills in that they are used for a period of about three weeks, then removed during the user’s period. They too release both progestin and estrogen into the vaginal lining, preventing ovulation and fertilization. There are two types of vaginal rings:

NuvaRing

A NuvaRing is worn in the duration between one period and the next. During the actual period, a user must remove the ring and replace it with a new one after the period ends. The ring can be inserted within the first five days of a menstrual cycle but must not be worn for more than four weeks.

Annovera Ring

An Annovera ring is also used in the duration between a user’s periods. It functions in the same manner that NuvaRings do. The main difference is that the Annovera ring can be worn for up to 13 cycles before it requires replacement. Between uses, the device should be stored within its casing in a safe, cool and dry place.

Since vaginal rings work in the same way that oral contraceptive pills do, users will experience similar side effects such as - but not limited to - nausea, headaches, sore breasts, spotting between periods, and a vaginal discharge in the first few months of use.

Injections

Birth control injections are a non-reversible, progestin-based method of contraception. The injection is also the most discreet method of contraception as it is delivered right into a person’s bloodstream. They do however last up to three months, making them more convenient than contraceptive pills or vaginal rings. 

Intrauterine Devices

Intrauterine devices - or IUDs in short - work by preventing the sperm from fertilizing an egg. Of all the methods of contraception, this is the most convenient as it is effective for a duration of up to eight years. Although they can be removed at any time, they are generally ideal for people who do not have immediate plans for family building. They come in two forms, a hormone-based and a copper-based form. 

Hormonal IUDs

Hormonal IUDS contain progestin that, due to the duration of wear, is released in much smaller quantities than other hormone based contraceptive methods. Consequently, any side-effects that are typical of hormone-based contraception are reduced. The progestin is typically released right into the uterus. This prevents ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, and thins the uterine lining, which reduces or stops monthly periods, prevents pregnancy altogether. 

P.S. 

Hormone-based contraception, typically changes or interrupts the body’s natural pattern of hormone production. This is likely to have different side-effects such as bloating, nausea, breast tenderness, spotting, and even depression.

Copper IUDs

This type of birth control is non-hormonal, due to the fact that the copper that is typically wrapped around divide is a form of sperm-repellent, which prevents sperm from even entering the uterus to begin with. These tend to be ideal for people who may have had challenges with hormone-based contraception. 

Summary

Contraception is a key component of family planning, and birth control methods, whether hormonal or non-hormonal, do not have a direct impact on a person’s fertility. Hormonal birth control methods affect different users in different ways, resulting in variations in how soon a person can become pregnant once they stop using birth control. As well, they may cause more adverse side effect in some people, which would require medical intervention to manage. 

Birth control methods however do have significant side effects that are based on age, lifestyle, and medical conditions, therefore it is prudent to consult with a professional healthcare provider to assist you in selecting a method that suits your body, as well as your family building plans. However, if you do have more questions regarding the use of birth control, do contact Ivy Fertility. We are happy to assist you in choosing the right family planning option suited to your needs. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)