Return to fertility following discontinuation of oral contraceptives.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative literature review summarizing published studies without formal systematic review methodology or meta-analytic pooling
PubMed 19268187 · doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.01.003
What was done
The authors conducted a comprehensive narrative literature review using PubMed searches (1960–2007) and cross-referencing to assess time to fertility following discontinuation of oral contraceptives (OCs), including cyclic, extended-cycle, and continuous-use regimens, compared to other contraceptive methods.
What was found
Studies showed a temporary delay in conception during the initial months following OC discontinuation. Reported 12-month conception rates among former cyclic OC users ranged from 72% to 94%, comparable to rates following discontinuation of intrauterine devices (71%–92%), progestin-only contraceptives (70%–95%), condoms (91%), and natural family planning (92%). Limited data for extended-cycle and continuous-use OCs suggested comparable fertility return to cyclic regimens.
Why it matters
This synthesis provides reassurance that oral contraceptive use does not cause long-term impairment of fertility, with 1-year pregnancy rates matching those seen after stopping non-hormonal and barrier methods.
Limits
As a narrative review, formal meta-analytic pooling, risk-of-bias assessment, and total study/participant counts were not reported in the abstract. Data for extended-cycle and continuous regimens were noted to be limited, and key confounders such as age, duration of contraceptive use, and baseline fertility were not detailed.
Cited by
- supports Large population studies show that previous use of contraception does not increase the rate of infertility at 12 months post-discontinuation.