Ready for pregnancy? Your current birth control may affect how fast fertility returns
December 1, 2020
When you decide to stop using birth control and try for a baby, you may be hoping to get pregnant right away. But the speed at which you can conceive may depend in part on the type of contraception you’ve been using.
A new study that analyzed data from nearly 18,000 women found that fertility returned quickest in patients who had used intrauterine devices (IUDs) or implants (such as Nexplanon). These patients waited an average of just two menstrual cycles before conceiving.
Patients who used the pill or vaginal rings had to wait three cycles, those who used patch contraceptives waited four, and those who used injectable contraceptives (such as Depo-Provera) required five to eight cycles for return of fertility.
However, the study also concluded that long-term use of any type of contraception did not have a lasting impact on the patient's ability to get pregnant. In short, fertility is likely to return to normal, even if it does take time.
Studies like this further empower women to take control of their reproductive health. The more information you have, the better able you are to choose the best birth control method for your reproductive health and life goals.
What’s your goal for using a contraceptive?
There is no single contraceptive method that's right for everyone. While preventing pregnancy is the most common reason to use birth control, doctors may prescribe them for regulating periods, helping with menstrual or endometriosis pain, or controlling acne.
It’s important to think about these things because not every contraceptive can do it all. Here are a few questions to ask yourself when choosing a birth control method:
- Do you have any health conditions?
- Do you want your contraceptive to cause you to bleed less or at all?
- Do you also need protection against sexually transmitted infections?
- If you know you want to become pregnant in the future, how important is it to be able to get pregnant right away?
- Is this method affordable or covered by my health insurance?
- Will you be able to use it correctly every time?
Knowing your options for birth control is important, but so is being honest about your goals and priorities. Also, remember that your choice of birth control may change over your lifetime due to evolving health and reproductive goals.
Related reading: Nearing the end of pregnancy? Time to talk birth control
Choosing the best birth control method for you
Barrier methods
Condoms, diaphragms, and contraceptive sponges are single use and prevent sperm from reaching the uterus. Barrier methods can help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections. However, their failure rate can range from 13% to 18%. Often, this is due to improper use.
Hormonal methods
Birth control pills, the vaginal ring, the patch, and contraceptive implants or shots use hormones to reduce the risk of pregnancy. Their failure rate is 6% to 12%, often due to missing a dose, improper use, or interactions from other medications. Implants such as Nexplanon and shots such as Depo Provera are considered long acting, with the implant lasting up to three years and the shot three months.
These methods, which can also be used to help control heavy, painful, or irregular periods, should not affect long-term fertility. But you may experience a delay in getting pregnant after ending their use. According to a recent study, that delay could be two menstrual cycles for the implant, three cycles for the pill or vaginal ring, four cycles for the patch, and five to eight cycles for shots.
Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
Inserted in the uterus, IUDs are the most effective long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) method. IUDS can last five to 10 years depending on the type and the failure rate is less than 0.2%, meaning fewer than 1 per 100 women will get pregnant when using an IUD.
IUDs can also help control heavy or painful periods. Some women choose IUDs if they have unpleasant side effects such as depression or increased blood pressure due to other hormonal options. Again, IUDs should not affect long-term fertility, but a recent study showed that it may take two menstrual cycles after having the IUD removed to get pregnant.
Sterilization
Getting your tubes tied (tubal ligation) is considered an irreversible form of birth control, with a failure rate of less than 0.2%. A woman should not choose this option if they want to have children in the future.
Natural family planning
This method relies on estimating ovulation dates and avoiding sperm-to-uterus contact during fertile days. The failure rate is high at 24%.
Withdrawal method
This method relies on the male partner "pulling out" before ejaculation. However, sperm can be released prior to ejaculation, and the failure rate for this method is 22%.
The best birth control for you is one that is safe, that you can use comfortably and correctly. Talk with your doctor about what you want and need. We can help you achieve health and happiness with your family-planning goals.
To visit with an Ob/Gyn about your birth control options, call 214-645-8300 or request an appointment online.
