Does taking the daily contraceptive pill cause infertility?

The daily contraceptive pill is an easy-to-access method of contraception that suits most women. However, some mums still worry that taking the daily pill will cause infertility in the future. So what's the truth? Let's find out with Momby in this video! Content reviewed by: Former Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Quang Nam General Hospital. Currently Medical Adviser to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Quang Nam General Hospital, recognised as an outstanding breastfeeding hospital in 2019.

What is the daily contraceptive pill?

The daily contraceptive pill is an oral tablet containing female hormones (oestrogen and progesterone) that controls and prevents ovulation, preventing pregnancy in women who take it.

How it prevents pregnancy

• It suppresses ovulation
• It thickens cervical mucus, stopping sperm from travelling upwards.
• It changes the lining of the womb, making it unfavourable for an embryo to implant.

How effective is it?

According to research, when the daily pill is taken correctly, meaning regularly and at the same time each day, it is very effective, up to 99%. However, the pill only prevents pregnancy while you are taking it. After you stop, these effects disappear almost immediately, and your body will quickly regain the ability to ovulate and conceive within 1-2 months.

So does the contraceptive pill cause infertility?

• Infertility is defined as a couple having regular sex without contraception for 1 year without getting pregnant.
• There are many causes of infertility.
• Causes in the woman include ovulation disorders, blocked or inflamed fallopian tubes, pelvic infections, abnormalities in the structure of the womb ...
• Causes in the man include sexual dysfunction, hormonal disorders, anatomical abnormalities of the vas deferens, abnormal sperm production or sperm motility ...
• To date, there is no scientific evidence that the daily contraceptive pill causes infertility.

Current scientific evidence does not show a risk of infertility in women who take the daily contraceptive pill. The daily pill prevents pregnancy by suppressing ovulation, thereby preventing fertilisation. After stopping the pill, the menstrual cycle returns to normal (usually about 3 months after stopping) and research shows that most women go on to get pregnant normally. If you have any questions on this topic, you can ask right below in the Share screen of the Momby app and specialist doctors will give you a more detailed answer!

References:
Tu Du Hospital