Does taking contraceptive pills cause infertility?

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on January 07, 2025
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Contraceptives are categorized into short-acting, long-acting, or emergency contraceptives. Commonly, long-acting contraceptives, such as those taken orally once a month, have significant side effects. Prolonged use can lead to menstrual irregularities, facial pigmentation, hyperpigmentation, and amenorrhea. Therefore, long-term use of long-acting contraceptives may result in decreased ovarian function, leading to infertility. Generally, emergency contraceptives and short-acting contraceptives have relatively minor side effects. Occasional use does not have a significant impact, but prolonged use can cause menstrual disorders and hormonal imbalances, which in turn can lead to infertility. Thus, contraceptives are not suitable for everyone, and it is not recommended for women who have never given birth to use oral contraceptives for contraception.

Other Voices

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Secondary infertility is how it comes about?

Secondary infertility is when a woman has been pregnant before but has not conceived after a year of not using contraception. The causes of secondary infertility are divided into male factors and female factors. Common male infertility factors include older age or habitual smoking and drinking, leading to decreased sperm quality. Female infertility factors are more numerous, such as excessive sexual activity during reproductive years or weak immune system leading to pelvic inflammatory disease. This inflammation can affect the fallopian tubes, causing blockages and resulting in infertility due to tubal factors; it can also spread to the endometrium, causing endometritis and altering the intrauterine environment, making conception difficult. Some women may suffer from endometriosis, which can also lead to infertility. In some cases, women who have had uterine procedures may experience adhesions in the cervical canal and uterine cavity or abnormal uterine shapes, leading to infertility. Additionally, some women experience significant blood loss after childbirth, leading to pituitary necrosis, hormonal imbalances, and ovulation disorders, which can affect normal conception.

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Written by Li Li Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can a ruptured corpus luteum lead to infertility?

The destruction of corpus luteum cells can lead to infertility. The most common issue is the obvious rupture of the corpus luteum, accompanied by excessive pelvic fluid, which requires surgical treatment. Post-surgery, there could be pelvic adhesion, leading to partial fallopian tube adhesion, which may result in blockages or obstructions in the fallopian tubes. Therefore, during pregnancy, an ectopic pregnancy may occur, and even infertility, particularly in some women who do not seek timely medical treatment after a corpus luteum rupture. This leads to the spread of pelvic inflammatory disease, which may even develop into chronic pelvic inflammatory disease. It is essential to be cautious and avoid vigorous physical activities to prevent the dangerous rupture of the corpus luteum.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Secondary infertility refers to a condition where a person is unable to become pregnant or carry a pregnancy to term following the birth of one or more biological children.

Infertility is divided into primary infertility and secondary infertility. Primary infertility refers to never having been pregnant before, which is called primary infertility. Secondary infertility generally occurs in individuals who have had children or a history of miscarriage and have been unable to conceive again after trying for a year, thus constituting secondary infertility. It is essential for those with secondary infertility to undergo relevant fertility tests at a hospital. Typically, the clinical evaluation includes a semen analysis for the male partner, and for the female partner, tests such as Mycoplasma and Chlamydia detection, endocrine examinations, immunological tests, and assessments for fallopian tube patency and related endocrine tests. Generally, through these tests, the cause of secondary infertility can be identified, and treatment can be tailored based on the results. In cases of secondary infertility, the vast majority can achieve conception through targeted treatment.

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Written by Kang Jian Hua
Reproductive Center
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"What does infertility OC mean?"

Infertility OC refers to the ovarian stimulation protocols for in vitro fertilization (IVF), commonly divided into long and short protocols. Ovarian stimulation in IVF is done to obtain more eggs for better results. The choice between protocols is not determined by time, but by assessing the patient’s ovarian function. Patients with good ovarian function use the long protocol, while those with poor ovarian function use the short protocol. Although the long protocol takes more time, it provides better ovulation results and a more consistent ovarian response, preventing premature ovulation. The short protocol, although quicker, often has less effective stimulation results and an inconsistent ovarian response, which frequently leads to premature ovulation. Thus, the long protocol is the standard for ovarian stimulation, while the short protocol is a contingency plan used when there is concern that poor ovarian function might prevent follicle development with the long protocol.

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Written by Zhang Wei Wei
Integrative Medicine
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Is Chinese herbal medicine effective for infertility?

Is Chinese herbal medicine effective for infertility? My answer is definitely yes. Traditional Chinese medicine is a national treasure in our country, and it has good effects on chronic conditions, such as infertility. The main causes of infertility include liver stagnation, blood stasis, phlegm dampness, kidney deficiency, and so on. It’s not only drinking herbal medicine that proves useful for infertility patients. Traditional Chinese medicine also includes other treatments like topical applications, herbal enemas, and hot compresses, providing various effective methods to help patients conceive more quickly. It is important for patients to seek treatment at specialized or official hospitals for effective treatment.