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Birth control pills
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The Pill and Infertility?
Originally Published: December 15, 1995
~ Last Updated / Reviewed on: July 15, 1998
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Alice,
I was wondering if there is a relationship between taking the pill and infertility. I have heard stories of women who have been on the pill for five or more years experiencing difficulty or no luck conceiving. Some tell me that the birth control pill from several decades ago contained overly high dosages of hormones, and it were these high levels which led to infertility or conception problems. I was wondering if it is true that the older pills contained higher levels, and if so, what are the levels of the pills today? Also, what are the fertility risks associated with the pills available today? -- Cautious Kate
Dear Cautious Kate, Most reasons why women, even those who've been on the pill, have trouble conceiving are not related to pill use. For example, on the average, it takes couples about eight months to become pregnant once they start trying. Infertility and conception are based on many factors, such as age of partners, sperm count, frequency of intercourse, etc. While a woman is taking birth control pills, any fertility problem is masked. Many women take the pill to regulate irregular menstrual cycles. Irregular periods are often due to hormonal imbalances. Presumably, the hormone imbalance will remain after a woman goes off the pill because the cause of the imbalance has still not been addressed. In addition, couples in their childbearing years can have infertility problems which do not become obvious until after the woman stops taking the pill and they begin to try to get pregnant, regardless of birth control method. Yes, pills prescribed today have much lower doses of hormones than those prescribed twenty, and even ten, years ago, but they are just as effective. If you are at Columbia, make an appointment with a health care provider in Primary Care Medical Services (x4-2284) to discuss contraceptive options that will work for you. Outside of Columbia, contact an OB/GYN or other women's health care provider. For more information on the pill, see Alice's answers to How do birth control pills work? and Side effects of pill.
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