Fertility after discontinuation of oral contraceptives
- PMID:6764883
Fertility after discontinuation of oral contraceptives
Abstract
Concern has been expressed regarding fertility following oral contraceptive (Pill) use. A review of the literature indicates that there is a slight delay in the return of fertility in Pill users but no permanent impairment results. A small proportion of women experience a prolonged period of amenorrhoea following cessation of combined oral contraception, but whether the Pill plays an aetiological role is doubtful since there appear to be no differences in endocrine profiles amongst women with amenorrhoea following Pill use and those with secondary amenorrhoea who have never used oral contraceptives. Factors which may predispose to amenorrhoea following Pill use are: late onset of menarche, previous oligomenorrhoea and low body weight. Following adequate investigation and treatment, fertility rates in women with the so-called post-Pill amenorrhoea syndrome return to normal. There is no evidence of any delay in the return of fertility in women who use the progestogen-only Pill.
PIP: Concern has been expressed regarding fertility following oral contraceptive (OC) use. A review of the literature indicates that there is a slight delay in the return to fertility in pill users but no permanent impairment results. A small proportion of women experience a prolonged period of amenorrhea following cessation of combined OCs but whether the pill plays an etiological role is doubtful since there appear to be no differences in endocrine profiles among women with amenorrhea following OC use and those with secondary amenorrhea who have never used OCs. Factors which may predispose to amenorrhea following OC use are: late onset of menarche, previous oligomenorrhea, and low body weight. Following adequate investigation and treatment, fertility rates in women with so-called postpill amenorrhea syndrome return to normal. There is no evidence of any delay in the return to fertility in women who use the progestogen-only pill.
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