Verified on 04/17/2024 by Alexane Flament, Editor

In France, 92% of women, aged 15 to 49, who do not wish to be pregnant use a means of contraception. The pill is one of these means.

We sometimes hear that it causes infertility. Is it true ? We will explain everything to you.

“Most pills contain an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol or estradiol) and a progestin. They are called estrogen-progestogen pills or combined pills” indicates INSERM.

These hormones serve to block ovulation and reduce the mobility of sperm by thickening the secretions of the cervix. The uterus is kept in a state where a fertilized egg is not able to settle. This is a reliable method (99.7%).

There are other types of pills. They contain only progestins. They block the mobility of sperm and modify the lining of the uterus.

This type of pill is ideal for women who have contraindications to estrogen. They are just as effective but require to be taken daily at the same time.

Can the pill make me infertile?

This is a widely accepted idea. : the pill causes infertility in women who have been taking it for a long time. It’s exactly faux.

According to the family planning website, the different methods of hormonal contraception (estrogen and/or progesterone) “are all composed of female hormones distributed in the blood, similar to those produced in the body by the ovaries. A dormant cycle has no impact on health or subsequent fertility..

Moreover, no clinical study seems to tend towards this idea ofinfertility linked to taking hormonal contraception such as the pill.

However, it should be noted that there may be some side effects following taking a contraceptive pill. Thus, it is possible to have:

  • Swelling of the breasts;
  • Migraines;
  • Bleeding between periods.

These effects may occur in the first months of treatment. If they become too bothersome, it is important to discuss them with your doctor or midwife. This may be a sign that the pill is not well suited.

Florine Cauchie

Health journalist

April 17, 2024, at 5:02 p.m.

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