Can the Pill Make You Infertile? [What Science Says]

Many women worry that taking contraceptive pills could affect their ability to get pregnant.

Questions like “Can the pill make you infertile?” or “Will my fertility return to normal?” are very common.

To put your mind at ease, Weldricks Pharmacy explains everything you need to know about contraception and fertility below, helping to clear up long-standing myths.

Key Takeaways

• Neither the combined nor the mini pill causes infertility.
• Fertility usually returns soon after stopping the pill (usually within 3 months).
• Long-term use does not reduce future chances of pregnancy.
• Fertility is heavily affected by age.

Can Contraceptive Pills Cause Infertility? [Short Answer]

No. Contraceptive pills do not cause infertility.

There is no scientific evidence to show that either the combined pill or the mini pill causes fertility problems. For most women, fertility usually returns soon after they stop taking the pill.

Contraceptive pills prevent ovulation only temporarily.

Infertility Statistics [Official Data]

1. NHS data shows that 1 in 7 couples experience difficulty conceiving.
2. A World Health Organisation report found that 1 in 6 people worldwide have experienced infertility at some stage in their lives.
3. According to the British Fertility Society, 30% of fertility problems are due to the woman, 30% due to the man, and 30%-40% to both or unknown causes.

Does Female Fertility Decline With Age?

Yes, fertility (the ability to have a baby) naturally declines with age.

Here’s why a woman’s fertility decreases as she gets older:

1. Her eggs decrease in number (this process starts when she steps into her early 30s).
2. The quality of her eggs also decreases.
3. There may be no ovulation in every menstrual cycle.

To better understand your cycle, check out Weldricks’ useful guide on period care!

Female Fertility by Age [Chart]

According to the British Fertility Society’s Guide to Fertility:

• Most girls have about 2 million eggs when they’re born.
• In adolescence, they have about 400,000 eggs.
• At age 37, the number goes down to 25,000.
• By age 51, women have 1,000 eggs, but they are not fertile.

Does the Combined Contraceptive Pill Cause Infertility?

No. The combined contraceptive pill temporarily prevents ovulation while you’re taking it. Once you stop, ovulation resumes.

If you’d like a deeper explanation of how this pill works, you may find it helpful to read our guide on the combined contraceptive pill.

Can the Mini Pill Cause Infertility?

No, the mini (progestogen-only) pill also does not cause infertility.

Once you stop taking it, fertility often returns quickly (within days or weeks), but for some women it may take longer.

Can Long-Term Use of Birth Control Pills Cause Infertility?

No, it can’t.

“Long-term use (over 4 years) of oral contraceptives doesn’t hurt female fertility”, says a study conducted by researchers from the BU School of Public Health.

Fertility may be temporarily reduced during the first few menstrual cycles after stopping oral contraceptives, but it’s expected to return to normal.

When Will My Fertility Return to Normal?

After the Combined Contraceptive Pill

For most women, fertility usually returns within 3 months after stopping the combined contraceptive pill.

The combined pill suppresses ovulation, so your body needs some time to resume its natural hormonal function.

After the Mini Pill

Fertility often returns within days or weeks after stopping the mini (progestogen-only) pill. However, for some women, it can take longer (months) for their normal cycle to return.

The mini pill works mostly by thickening cervical mucus and, sometimes, by stopping ovulation. Because it doesn’t fully shut down the hormonal cycle in the same way the combined pill does, the body usually needs less time to return to normal.

What Other Factors Affect Female Fertility, Besides Age?

Important factors affecting fertility in women include:

• Body weight (very high or very low BMI)
• Smoking
• Alcohol
• Drug use
• Stress
• Irregular periods
• Certain medical conditions (such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, thyroid conditions, endometriosis, etc.)
• Some Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), such as chlamydia

• Certain medications or medical treatments (some antidepressants, antibiotics, or painkillers)
• Environmental factors, such as exposure to certain pesticides or solvents

Most of the above can also affect male fertility.

What Are the Main Signs of Infertility I Should Watch Out For?

Possible signs can include:

• Irregular or absent periods
• Very painful periods or heavy bleeding
• Hormonal imbalance signs such as severe acne (discover here the best treatments for acne), changes in hair growth or colour, etc.
• Difficulty conceiving after 12 months of trying

Having these signs doesn’t necessarily mean infertility issues, but it’s important that you speak with a healthcare professional to address the problem.

Can the Pill Make You Infertile? — Summary

Summarising, neither the contraceptive pill nor the mini pill can cause infertility. Fertility levels will return to normal soon after stopping contraception.

If you have concerns about fertility or feel unsure which contraceptive option is right for you, you’re not alone.

For personalised, face-to-face support, speak to a trained pharmacist through Weldricks’ pharmacy contraception service and receive clear, confidential guidance!