Can Taking Birth Control Cause You to Be Infertile?
Birth control is an umbrella term that refers to several devices that prevent male sperm from reaching the female egg during sexual intercourse. Forms of ingested or internal birth control include birth control pills, emergency contraceptive pills, intrauterine devices, and the contraception injection, Depo-Provera. There are schools of thought that every form of birth control has risks, but there are a variety birth control pills, emergency contraceptive pills, intrauterine devices, and contraception injections currently approved by the F.D.A. as "safe" birth control devices. If you feel uncomfortable with taking ingested or internal birth control, discuss other birth control options with your doctor.
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History
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The first intrauterine device, where a device was inserted directly into the vagina to prevent pregnancy, was documented in 1909 by Dr. Richard Richter in Germany. The intrauterine device Richter used was made of silkworm gut. Several intrauterine devices were created out of copper and these were ultimately found to be the most effective in preventing pregnancy. Copper IUDs are still commonly used today. The Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill, more commonly called "the pill," was approved for use in 1960, but took almost 30 years to develop. Emergency Contraception, sometimes called "the morning after pill," was developed in the early 1960s and was available by prescription from a doctor or clinic throughout the '80s and '90s. Currently, emergency contraception is available in most states from the pharmacist without a prescription for women 18 and over. The newest form of birth control is Depo-Provera, or the contraception injection, which was not approved by the F.D.A. until 1992. Side effects before testing had been completed included breast and uterine cancer, which can cause infertility, but Depo-Provera has been changed significantly since its conception and is no longer a risk for cancer.
Types
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Throughout history, there have been major changes in the four types of ingested or internal birth control, emergency contraception, the pill, the contraceptive shot and intrauterine devices. For example, when intrauterine devices were first being developed in the early 1900s, infertility, infection, and death were not uncommon. Now that intrauterine devices have been approved by the F.D.A., barring extreme uterine infections caused by improper or prolonged use of IUDs, infertility is rare. Most cases of infertility are as a result of a woman forgetting she has had an IUD installed and then trying to get pregnant with no results. The IUD must be removed before attempting to conceive a child. The contraceptive shot has also been known, according to Epigee.org (found in the "Resources" section below), to cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, which can cause infertility. On the other hand, the journal Human Reproduction states that oral contraceptives may aid fertility if the pill is taken for longer than five years and then discontinued.
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Considerations
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Directly after using oral contraceptives for a long period of time, a woman may have fertility changes. These changes do not usually include infertility. A woman has a large chance of having twins if she has recently stopped taking oral contraceptives, because two eggs may release at the same time. After six months of not taking the pill, there will be no difference between an ovulating woman who took the pill for 20 years and an ovulating woman who has never taken the pill. A woman that has been taking Depo-Provera shots may not experience regular periods until one year after taking the shot, and as a result become temporarily infertile until the contraceptive has completely left the body.
Effects
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Most doctors feel it is far more important to use two methods of birth control, for example, the pill in conjunction with condoms, to protect the body from sexually transmitted diseases that may cause infertility. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are two examples of sexually transmitted diseases that cause infertility if left untreated. All methods of internal or ingested birth control have side effects, several of which, like Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, may cause infertility. It is important for you to make a wise and educated decision for yourself before jumping into a birth control method.
Warning
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If you are experiencing painful cramps or excessive spotting while you are taking an oral contraceptive, talk to your doctor immediately. If you are experiencing any severe stomach pain or cramping after taking Depo-Provera or after having an IUD inserted, see your doctor immediately. All birth control methods may not be right for everyone. Discuss with your partner what will be the best method for the two of you. If you are experiencing particularly painful periods, see a doctor immediately. Do not be afraid to see a doctor or Planned Parenthood if you are noticing any changes in your sexual health.
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Resources
- Photo Credit http://www.sxc.hu/profile/the_franz
