Understanding How Birth Control Works

Dr. Marika Raff • February 13, 2025

As a fertility specialist, one of the most common concerns I hear from patients is whether their past or current use of birth control might affect their ability to conceive in the future. Whether you're thinking about starting a family soon or simply planning ahead for when the time is right, understanding how birth control can influence your fertility is an important step in your journey. Let’s explore the different types of birth control and how (or if) they might impact your fertility after discontinuation.

Do Different Methods of Birth Control Impact Fertility?

As a fertility specialist, one of the most common concerns I hear from patients is whether their past or current use of birth control might affect their ability to conceive in the future. Whether you're thinking about starting a family soon or simply planning ahead for when the time is right, understanding how birth control can influence your fertility is an important step in your journey. Let’s explore the different types of birth control and how (or if) they might impact your fertility after discontinuation.

Understanding How Birth Control Works

Birth control methods are designed to prevent pregnancy in different ways. Some stop ovulation, others create barriers to prevent sperm from reaching the egg, and some alter the uterine environment to prevent implantation. While these methods are highly effective in preventing pregnancy, they do not all have the same impact on fertility once discontinued.

Hormonal Birth Control: Pills, Patches, Rings, and Injections

Combination Pills, Patches, and Rings

These contraceptives use synthetic estrogen and progestin to stop ovulation. Fortunately, most individuals see their fertility return within a few weeks after stopping. Studies show that ovulation often resumes quickly, and many people conceive within a few months.

Progestin-Only Pills ("Mini Pills")

Like combination methods, progestin-only pills suppress ovulation. Many women begin ovulating again within a month of stopping.

Depo-Provera Injection

The Depo-Provera shot is a long-acting hormonal contraceptive that can delay fertility return. The hormone lingers in the system, and it can take up to 12 months or more for ovulation to resume after the last injection.

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs): Hormonal and Non-Hormonal

Hormonal IUDs (e.g., Mirena, Kyleena)

Hormonal IUDs release progestin, which thickens cervical mucus and sometimes suppresses ovulation. Once removed, the hormones leave your system quickly, and most women can conceive within a few months.

Copper IUD (e.g., Paragard)

The copper IUD is non-hormonal and prevents pregnancy by creating an environment that is toxic to sperm. Since it doesn’t alter hormones, fertility typically returns immediately upon removal.

Barrier Methods: Condoms, Diaphragms, and Spermicides

Barrier methods do not involve hormones and have no lasting impact on fertility. You can attempt conception immediately after discontinuing use.

Permanent Birth Control: Tubal Ligation

Tubal ligation (commonly referred to as "getting your tubes tied") is a permanent birth control method. Though reversal surgeries exist, success rates vary, and pregnancy may still require assisted reproductive technologies like IVF.

Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception (such as Plan B) does not have long-term effects on fertility. Your cycle may be temporarily disrupted, but fertility is not permanently affected.

Additional Factors That Affect Fertility

  • Age – Fertility naturally declines with age.
  • Underlying conditions – PCOS, endometriosis, and thyroid disorders can impact conception.
  • Lifestyle – Smoking, weight, and overall health play key roles in fertility.

When to Seek Help

If you’ve stopped birth control and haven’t conceived after 6-12 months of trying(or sooner if over 35), consulting a fertility specialist is recommended.

Research and Resources

Whether you're transitioning off birth control or just starting your family-building journey, Caperton Fertility Institute is here to support you.

Caperton Fertility Institute – Where Science Meets Compassion.

A person is looking through a microscope at a petri dish.

Preparing for Your Embryo Transfer: What to Expect

By Dr. Marika Raff • June 12, 2025
Embarking on the embryo transfer phase of your IVF journey is a big step, and understandably, patients often ask what they can expect during this important stage. At Caperton Fertility Institute, we take great care in preparing your body to create the most welcoming environment possible for a developing embryo. Here’s an overview of how we prepare you for a frozen embryo transfer, including the medications we use and why they matter. 1. Estrogen Patches to Build the Uterine Lining The first step in the preparation process involves thickening the endometrial lining of your uterus so it can support an embryo. We use estrogen patches for this purpose. These patches deliver a consistent dose of estrogen through your skin, and you’ll typically wear several patches on your abdomen at a time, changed every other day as instructed. Estrogen helps your uterine lining grow to the ideal thickness for implantation. We monitor this closely with ultrasound to ensure optimal conditions. 2. Adding Intramuscular Progesterone Once your lining has reached the right thickness, we introduce intramuscular progesterone injections. Progesterone transforms the uterine lining into a receptive state, mimicking what happens naturally after ovulation. These injections are given daily and are an essential part of making the uterus ready to accept an embryo. While the thought of intramuscular shots can be intimidating, our team will guide you through every step and offer tips to make the process more comfortable. 3. Timing the Transfer The timing of your embryo transfer is carefully coordinated based on your hormone levels and the day your embryo was frozen. For example, if you're transferring a blastocyst (an embryo that developed for five days), we schedule your transfer five days after starting progesterone. Precision is key, and we tailor the timing to closely replicate the conditions of a natural cycle. 4. Day of the Transfer The transfer itself is a quick, gentle procedure that doesn’t require anesthesia. We use ultrasound guidance to place the embryo in the uterus, and many patients describe it as similar to a Pap smear. Afterward, you’ll rest briefly before going home. Supporting You Through Every Phase Every part of the embryo transfer preparation is designed with care and intention. We want to give you the best possible chance for success, and we’re here to support you emotionally and physically throughout the process. If you have any questions about preparing for your embryo transfer or the medications involved, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re with you every step of the way.
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