Birth Control Pills and Fertility Treatment
At first, it might seem counterproductive to consider birth control pills as a part of fertility treatments. The hormone balancing properties of the pill allow a doctor to precisely control the timing and function of the reproductive cycle, making treatments more effective.
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Types of Pill
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There are two types of pill, each used for a different purpose. The combined pill contains estrogen and progestins. For women sensitive to estrogen, progestin only pills are used.
Timing Treatment
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The precise nature of the pill is based on a 28 day cycle. Women who do not ovulate may use the pill to bring on a natural period so treatment can begin---the date of treatment can also be adjusted to fit the schedules of both the patient and the doctor.
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Shrinking Cysts
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Women with polycystic ovaries may develop cysts during the course of treatment. The hormones these cysts produce can cause a cycle to delay; the pill shrinks the cyst and regulates hormones so the new cycle can begin.
Regulating Cycles
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After a failed infertility treatment cycle, it can take some time for hormones to reestablish a balance. Birth control pills assist that balance in forming faster.
Shedding the Lining
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Birth control pills can also cause a withdrawl bleed, where the lining of the uterus sheds after stopping the pill. This can be used to thin the uterine lining, creating a healthy environment for a fertilized egg to implant.
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