Beli Prenatals are HSA/FSA eligible!

Can Birth Control Cause Long-Term Fertility Issues?

We’ve written about birth control and fertility before, but it’s a topic that bears repeating. The concern that hormonal contraception affects future fertility is making the rounds on social media, and it’s pressing enough that it’s affecting contraceptive use among some young populations. But research continues to show that all that worry is for naught. Birth control doesn’t cause long-term fertility issues, but it can mask them by creating an artificial cycle—something that’s important to understand.

Key Takeaways

  • Hormonal birth control works by delivering a low dose of sex hormones to prevent pregnancy.
  • Some people worry that introducing extra hormones into the body will wreak havoc on their fertility, but it doesn’t work that way.
  • Decades of research have found no evidence that birth control negatively affects fertility.
  • However, it’s important to recognize that birth control creates an artificial cycle, which could mask fertility issues that you won’t be aware of until you stop taking birth control.

How Does Hormonal Birth Control Work?

Essentially, birth control pills (or the patch, the ring, the shot or an IUD) work by releasing a low dose of sex hormones that keep you from ovulating. When there’s no ovulation, there’s no egg, so there’s nothing for sperm to fertilize, which means there’s no pregnancy. By introducing these hormones into the body, hormonal birth control basically mimics a pregnancy (1). When you’re pregnant, the body releases estrogen and progestin. When you take the pill, for example, your body is being signaled to halt follicle development every month, which keeps an egg from being released, and the mucus in the cervix thickens, which makes it really difficult for sperm to get past (1).

Does Birth Control Lead To Too Many Hormones?

Since hormonal balance is so important, many people assume that an external source of hormones must be problematic in some way, either now or in the future. Just think about what happens during your period–wild hormonal swings that can leave you weepy, angry, bloated or broken out. Honestly, it’s no wonder people make the leap. But remember the whole “mimicking pregnancy” thing? Since elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone are what happens during pregnancy, you aren’t taking more hormones than the body can handle. Actually, in some cases, adding hormones not only serves as effective birth control, it helps control things like acne, cramps, bleeding and fibroids (2). That’s because it helps level out the ups and downs of your body’s own hormone production. Your body adapts to the regular dose of hormones by decreasing the amounts it makes, naturally, to ensure everything stays in balance.

The thing about birth control is that it depletes the body of specific nutrients, which is why experts recommend taking a prenatal vitamin while you’re on it. We cover that topic in depth right here, so hop over to learn more. The other thing to be aware of is that by creating an artificial cycle, birth control can mask infertility issues that you won’t be aware of until you stop taking it. Understanding your own true cycle, including its regularity and length, is really a clue into your fertility health, so this is what you’re giving up. It’s not right or wrong, it’s just something to understand. Something else worth considering: Beli’s Preconception Boost is a multifaceted supplement formulated to support a woman’s reproductive health (even if a baby is a long way off) with key nutrients that can be depleted from hormonal birth control. They also help set the stage for a future pregnancy, if that’s what you’re eventually planning. Now, back to the main topic!

What About Long-Term Fertility Issues?

If you’re thinking that tricking your body into thinking it’s pregnant for years on end has to have repercussions, good news. Researchers have studied that very issue for decades, and to date, there is no evidence that long-term hormonal birth control affects fertility now or in the future. In 2018, a comprehensive review looked at 22 studies from 1985 to 2017, all of which related to fertility after ceasing hormonal birth control (3). The big takeaway? Birth control isn’t detrimental to fertility—a full 83% of women became pregnant within a year of coming off birth control. That backs up earlier research from 2009 that looked at 60,000 women who were trying to conceive after stopping hormonal birth control (4). Eighty percent were pregnant within a year, and a 20% conceived on their first cycle after stopping. According to researchers, those numbers are similar to people that have never used hormonal birth control.

Despite all of this, the misconception persists. And it’s believable enough among young people that it’s stopping them from using contraception. That’s according to a 2023 study, which looked at over 2,000 female community college students and found that 69% worried about contraception affecting their future fertility (5). Researchers concluded, “Most students feared contraception’s impact on fertility, and this fear was associated with not using contraception.” Here's hoping this alleviates some concerns!

The Takeaway

There’s no reason to conflate hormonal birth control with fertility issues, so put that worry out of your mind (and tell all your friends, and your daughters, and everyone on social media, because apparently everyone has this backwards). What it can do is zap key nutrients (so pair it with a great prenatal vitamin and reproductive health supplement like Beli for Women and Beli Preconception) and be aware that you really don’t know much about your cycle when it’s artificial. 

Article Resources

  1. Cooper, D et al. (2022). Oral contraceptive pills. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430882/
  1. Schrager, S et al. (2020). Beyond birth control: noncontraceptive benefits of hormonal methods and their key role in the general medical care of women.  https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jwh.2019.7731
  1. Girum, T et al. (2018). Return of fertility after discontinuation of contraception: a systematic review and meta-analysis. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40834-018-0064-y
  1. Shahnazi, M et al. (2014). A Comparison of Second and Third Generations Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills’ Effect on Mood. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4222004/
  1. Watson, A et al. (2023). Concern that contraception affects future fertility: How common is this concern among young people and does it stop them from using contraception https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590151623000151

Shop the Story

Additional Resources

While PCOS can be a challenging condition to manage, natural supplements like inositol that are included in Beli Preconception Boost offer a beacon of hope. Inositol's ability to improve insulin sensitivity, hormone balance, and ovulatory function makes it a valuable tool in the PCOS management toolkit. 

Read More

While it’s lumped into the “bodily fluid” category, semen is a complex cocktail of compounds designed to support fertility. Like sperm quality, semen health can be influenced by lifestyle factors—an important realization for couples trying to conceive. From color to consistency, here’s what healthy semen looks like.

Read More

There’s a lot of chatter when it comes to male masturbation and what it says about a man’s fertility or whether it’s an issue when a couple is actively trying to conceive. And in the interest of clearing up the confusion, we’re taking a facts-based approach to the topic of men, masturbation and fertility.

Read More

For many of us, our twenties and even thirties are a time when the focus is on pregnancy prevention. And that’s okay! But even when the idea of motherhood is miles away there is tremendous value in understanding your fertility health and what you can do to support it during these young, carefree days.

Read More

We’re thrilled to introduce Beli Women Preconception, a complementary fertility supplement designed to support fertility health by promoting egg quality, supporting ovulation, balancing hormones, regulating your cycle and helping to manage symptoms of both PCOS and PMS.

Read More

Once a month, PMS symptoms make their unpleasant presence known. And while knowing what’s happening won’t make PMS magically disappear, it can help you manage symptoms by balancing hormones and supporting your reproductive health. Let’s review.

Read More

Raise your hand if you already know that you have a biological clock. From age 35 and beyond, there is a natural decline in testosterone and sperm quality. Just as people lose muscle strength, flexibility and endurance with age, sperm also tend to lose their "fitness" over the life cycle. But what does that mean—and does it really matter?

Read More

It’s an easy assumption, but you’re much better off thinking that every prenatal vitamin is wildly different in terms of composition, nutrient quality and, importantly, nutrient amount. Not only is that actually true, it puts you in the smart consumer mindset of understanding what matters in a prenatal vitamin—and why.

Read More

If you have endometriosis, you can already recite its lengthy list of pretty terrible symptoms. And the standard options for managing those symptoms — medications, hormone therapy, hormonal birth control, estrogen blockers, surgery —  aren’t always great. But there is evidence that a so-called “endometriosis diet” can help.

Read More

Men really do benefit from specialized nutrition in the form of a prenatal vitamin that’s formulated to support sperm health. Here’s what that looks like, and how specific nutrients can impact a man’s fertility health before fatherhood.

Read More

Shilajit is finally getting the credit it’s due, and we’re proud to point out that our proprietary formula was the very first to include this powerful Ayurvedic compound. Here’s why shilajit is rapidly becoming the darling of the male fertility world–and what you’re missing if you’re skipping it.

Read More

Ever wondered why men produce so much darn sperm, especially if only one of them will ultimately fertilize the egg? There are millions of sperm in normal ejaculate because it increases the likelihood that one will reach the egg and seal the deal. It begs the question, what exactly happens on the journey to the egg?

Read More

Optimal nutrition plays a pivotal role in enhancing fertility and supporting a healthy pregnancy. A diet rich in essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats, lays the foundation for reproductive health.

Read More

Is there anything unsexier than scheduled, pressure-ridden, trying-like-hell-to-conceive sex? But good news. We’ve found handy workarounds and tricks of the trade, so forget the basal temperature chart for a second and read on for four ways to keep things hot when you’re TTC.

Read More

Just as women’s bodies need to be prepared for pregnancy, men’s bodies need to be ready to contribute healthy sperm for conception. Nutrients are the foundation that support the normal structure and function of sperm and men's fertility health. Taking Beli’s male prenatal supplement is a proactive way to strategically fuel your body to optimize fertility contributing to your overall chances of conceiving and supporting a healthy pregnancy.  

Read More

Diet has been suggested to have an influence on the quality and function of human sperm. More specifically, the results of a randomised trial have shown that including nuts as a component of a regular diet improved the quality and function of human sperm.

Read More

A shot to the balls may be played for laughs on screen, but testicular impacts really aren’t a joke. Worse case scenario, getting hit in the balls can affect fertility thanks to complications like sexual dysfunction, low testosterone and other issues. Let's discuss.

Read More

With the New Year upon us, there are all kinds of articles and videos making the rounds with predictions of the Zodiac signs most likely to get pregnant in 2024. But here at Beli, we take a much more scientific approach to conception. Here are the top eight things people will do to get pregnant in 2024.

Read More

Research shows that the overall health of both biological parents during the preconception window plays a huge role in everything from conception to pregnancy health to the lifetime health of their baby. Luckily, there are simple steps you can both take to improve your health together.

Read More

When it comes to becoming parents, good habits really will take you where you want to go. Now, new science is giving us insight into exactly how long it takes to form those good habits. We're breaking down all the ways you can build healthy habits to boost your chances of conception. Think of it as life-hacking, but for grown-ups.

Read More

Preparing for a baby means doing everything in your power to nourish your fertility health. If you’re totally on board but wondering what that actually means, we’re breaking down the do’s and don’ts for planning a pregnancy.

Read More

Somewhere between the “let’s have a baby!” conversation and seeing those two pink lines, you’re going to end up researching prenatal vitamins. And trust us when we say you’re going to have a ton of options to wade through. Consider this your handy guide to the best prenatal vitamins for men and women in 2024.

Read More

Here at Beli, we’re working hard to raise awareness of the important role men play in the baby-making equation, which brings us to today’s topic of men’s preconception health and specifically, sperm health. Knowing what you’re working with can save you a lot of time, but is at-home sperm testing considered an important part of men’s preconception health? Let’s break it down.

Read More

Most births occur between June and early November. Count back nine months, and you’ll see that places most conceptions in the fall and winter. So what’s the deal? Is it the cold weather, all the festivities, or something else driving us between the sheets? That ugly sweater is pretty cute, but you can chalk this up to reproductive seasonality. Here’s what that means, why it matters, and what to do to use it to your advantage.

Read More

There’s a certain magic to the holiday season, whether you’re all-in on the decorations and the family time or a self-proclaimed Scrooge from mid-November to the New Year. But when you’re trying to conceive, it can be a challenging time.  We’re sharing five tips for managing the holidays when you’re trying to conceive.

Read More

Everyone knows that alcohol and pregnancy don’t mix. But what about before you’re pregnant, during the trying-to-conceive stage? There’s no evidence that the occasional drink—i.e. one or two a week—is going to torpedo your chances of parenthood. But it is true that the more you drink, the greater the likelihood it will have an effect on your health. Here’s what the research says about alcohol and your fertility.

Read More

You’re clear on the mechanics of making a baby, but how much do you really know about conception and fertility? There are a lot of wild stories, downright falsehoods and notions that are actually rooted in a kernel of truth out there. In the interest of sticking to the facts, we’re debunking 15 of the most common myths about conception and fertility.

Read More

When you’re knocking boots in an effort to get knocked up, timing is everything. Your best chance of conceiving is during the most fertile time of your menstrual cycle—when you ovulate. The key is figuring out exactly when that happens. Fortunately, you have a few ways of detecting ovulation. Here’s what to know about understanding ovulation and timing sex for pregnancy.

Read More

You have big plans for parenthood in 2024, which means this is the time to start laying the groundwork for everything to come. While so much of conception is beyond our control, there are actionable steps you and your partner can take right now to support and nourish your fertility.

Read More

Is there anything worse than the two-week wait? All the listicles out there sensibly advise keeping busy and journaling and talking it out, but we’re sharing more specific recommendations collected from the Beli community. Read on for seven tips for surviving the two-week wait without losing your mind.

Read More

Heard the one about ice baths and testosterone? Spoiler: there's little to no research behind that idea. Here’s what to know about cold plunges and male fertility, according to the research, plus where you should really focus your efforts if you’re trying to improve sperm health.

Read More

As a society, we’re an impatient bunch, and that applies to pregnancy, too. The second you decide it’s time to try for a baby, you’re ready to see those two pink lines. If you’ve recently tossed the birth control and you’re wondering how long it should take to get pregnant, here's what to know.

Read More

Jimmy Fallon. Hugh Jackman. Mark Zuckerberg. Keith Urban. Gordon Ramsey. Kyle Busch. Besides immediate name recognition, what else do these men have in common? They’ve all struggled with infertility issues—and it’s something they’re all talking about publicly. Here's why that matters.

Read More

While PCOS can be a challenging condition to manage, natural supplements like inositol that are included in Beli Preconception Boost offer a beacon of hope. Inositol's ability to improve insulin sensitivity, hormone balance, and ovulatory function makes it a valuable tool in the PCOS management toolkit. 

Read More

For many of us, our twenties and even thirties are a time when the focus is on pregnancy prevention. And that’s okay! But even when the idea of motherhood is miles away there is tremendous value in understanding your fertility health and what you can do to support it during these young, carefree days.

Read More

We’re thrilled to introduce Beli Women Preconception, a complementary fertility supplement designed to support fertility health by promoting egg quality, supporting ovulation, balancing hormones, regulating your cycle and helping to manage symptoms of both PCOS and PMS.

Read More

Once a month, PMS symptoms make their unpleasant presence known. And while knowing what’s happening won’t make PMS magically disappear, it can help you manage symptoms by balancing hormones and supporting your reproductive health. Let’s review.

Read More

It’s an easy assumption, but you’re much better off thinking that every prenatal vitamin is wildly different in terms of composition, nutrient quality and, importantly, nutrient amount. Not only is that actually true, it puts you in the smart consumer mindset of understanding what matters in a prenatal vitamin—and why.

Read More

If you have endometriosis, you can already recite its lengthy list of pretty terrible symptoms. And the standard options for managing those symptoms — medications, hormone therapy, hormonal birth control, estrogen blockers, surgery —  aren’t always great. But there is evidence that a so-called “endometriosis diet” can help.

Read More

With the New Year upon us, there are all kinds of articles and videos making the rounds with predictions of the Zodiac signs most likely to get pregnant in 2024. But here at Beli, we take a much more scientific approach to conception. Here are the top eight things people will do to get pregnant in 2024.

Read More

Research shows that the overall health of both biological parents during the preconception window plays a huge role in everything from conception to pregnancy health to the lifetime health of their baby. Luckily, there are simple steps you can both take to improve your health together.

Read More

Preparing for a baby means doing everything in your power to nourish your fertility health. If you’re totally on board but wondering what that actually means, we’re breaking down the do’s and don’ts for planning a pregnancy.

Read More

There’s a certain magic to the holiday season, whether you’re all-in on the decorations and the family time or a self-proclaimed Scrooge from mid-November to the New Year. But when you’re trying to conceive, it can be a challenging time.  We’re sharing five tips for managing the holidays when you’re trying to conceive.

Read More

Everyone knows that alcohol and pregnancy don’t mix. But what about before you’re pregnant, during the trying-to-conceive stage? There’s no evidence that the occasional drink—i.e. one or two a week—is going to torpedo your chances of parenthood. But it is true that the more you drink, the greater the likelihood it will have an effect on your health. Here’s what the research says about alcohol and your fertility.

Read More

You’re clear on the mechanics of making a baby, but how much do you really know about conception and fertility? There are a lot of wild stories, downright falsehoods and notions that are actually rooted in a kernel of truth out there. In the interest of sticking to the facts, we’re debunking 15 of the most common myths about conception and fertility.

Read More

When you’re knocking boots in an effort to get knocked up, timing is everything. Your best chance of conceiving is during the most fertile time of your menstrual cycle—when you ovulate. The key is figuring out exactly when that happens. Fortunately, you have a few ways of detecting ovulation. Here’s what to know about understanding ovulation and timing sex for pregnancy.

Read More

You have big plans for parenthood in 2024, which means this is the time to start laying the groundwork for everything to come. While so much of conception is beyond our control, there are actionable steps you and your partner can take right now to support and nourish your fertility.

Read More

Welcome to our little corner of common fertility and pregnancy terms! We know that jargon can be overwhelming, so consider this your very own baby-making dictionary. Here, confusing medical terms transform into easy-to-understand facts that help you confidently navigate your family planning journey. 

Read More

Is there anything worse than the two-week wait? All the listicles out there sensibly advise keeping busy and journaling and talking it out, but we’re sharing more specific recommendations collected from the Beli community. Read on for seven tips for surviving the two-week wait without losing your mind.

Read More

As a society, we’re an impatient bunch, and that applies to pregnancy, too. The second you decide it’s time to try for a baby, you’re ready to see those two pink lines. If you’ve recently tossed the birth control and you’re wondering how long it should take to get pregnant, here's what to know.

Read More