Birth Control and Fertility

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-14-2004
Birth Control and Fertility
5
Mon, 03-15-2004 - 4:50am
I have heard loose talk from people talking about how being on birth control for a long time (years) can lessen your chances of becoming pregnant after coming off of BC. Is there any truth to this that you know of? I'd love to hear about people's experiences of pregnancy occurring after being on BC for a long period of time.

I'm at the stage in my life where BC is something that I need to look more into, and I'd love to know what any of you have to say about this. Thank you!

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-29-2003
Mon, 03-15-2004 - 7:18am
Welcome!

I was on bcp from age 18 to 28 before I tried to conceive. I stopped taking them in January of that year and started trying to conceive that March. I did not conceive until the following January. With my second child, I did not go back on the pill after the birth of my first child(i was breastfeeding) and started trying to conceive 18 months later. The first try was successful. With my first child I kept track of my fertility be several methods-temp, cervical mucus, calendar. In my opinion, I believe the pill had an effect on my fertility. Not that I couldnt get pregnant, just that it took awhile for my body to get back to normal. I would suggest that prior to when you want to start trying to conceive, you stop taking bcps for 3 months(and use another form of contraception(Condoms) unless it doesnt matter if you would be one to get pregnant right off the pill!) And also, take into consideration that it could be up to a year after that you conceive. Now this may not be the norm, but at least you are preparing yourself if it is for you. Good luck and let us know what happens!
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Mon, 03-15-2004 - 11:03am

Hi dre,


I've been looking up research studies just to double check before I replied - and found that there's no evidence that hormonal birth control will affect your future fertility.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-14-2004
Tue, 03-16-2004 - 2:00am
Thank you both very much for your honest answers :)
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Tue, 03-16-2004 - 12:20pm
i was on bc pills from age 18-30....we got pregnant within a month of being off the pill w/ my first pregnancy.....
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Tue, 03-16-2004 - 1:04pm
Just wanted to add.... that the stress on your body or your spouses body can affect you getting pregnant...
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