birth control

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-29-2004
birth control
2
Thu, 09-23-2004 - 12:06pm
I have been on the birth control pill for 7 years. I have never taken a break from it. I'm only 23 and don't plan on having children for another 5 years or so, should I wait to 'take a break' from the pill, or should i have done that years ago??? What's the proper way to keep yourself "fertile" if you plan on having kids later?
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
In reply to: dienza00
Fri, 09-24-2004 - 12:17am
Hi dienza00, welcome!

That's a good question to ask your doctor. I know of no studies than indicate being on hormonal contraceptives impairs fertility in the long term, or that taking a break improves it. If I were you and was on a method that works well for me I'd stick with it. Thanks for posting,

Take care,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
In reply to: dienza00
Fri, 09-24-2004 - 7:40am
According to my former gyn, you can take the pill from puberty to menopause without taking a break except to have kids. You don't need to take breaks from the pill to preserve fertility, the pill hasn't been shown to affect your future ability to have kids. All a break would do would be to reassure you that yes you can still ovulate (which is only one piece of the puzzle) and leave you vulnerable to whatever method you're using in the meantime. I've been on hormones for almost 8 years and I honestly don't think about it. ;) My twin sister was on the pill for 9 years before she stopped to start TTC, then she was on the ring for another two years before conceiving her second.

Talk to your doctor, you may think you're hearing an echo! ;)

Judie
Co-cl for Birth Control
Judie Cl for Birth Control