Hormonal Vs. Non-hormonal Contraceptives and Their Effects On Future Fertility
- Moore K.M. ,
- Byrd S.R. and
- Cotton M.E.
- Moore K.M. ,
- Byrd S.R. and
- Cotton M.E.
2025
Repository
Description
Background: Approximately 65% of women in the United States currently use contraception for prevention and health management. The specific effects of hormonal contraceptives on future fertility are widely misunderstood, causing some women to avoid using them altogether. There are limited comprehensive studies directly comparing hormonal and non-hormonal methods. Infertility is defined as 12 months without conceiving. Purpose: This research sought to determine if termination of hormonal contraception is linked to long-term infertility in women in comparison to non-hormonal contraceptives. In addressing this concern, more women can feel confident and educated on their contraceptive type while family planning. Methods: An Evidence-Based Clinical Review (EBCR) was conducted utilizing high-quality studies. Three independent researchers performed a systematic search across various databases with specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Researchers met to discuss findings and reach a consensus throughout the review process. NHLBI quality assessment tools and the Pitchford data extraction tool for qualitative analysis were used to ensure only studies rated "good" quality were included. The analysis included 2 prospective cohort studies and a meta-analysis. Results: Analysis revealed that hormonal contraceptives do not significantly impair long-term fertility. The included studies found a pregnancy rate of 83.1% to 89% within 12 months of discontinuing COCs. There was no significant difference in the return to fertility between hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptives. v Conclusion: The use of reversible contraceptives does not have a significant long-term impact on fertility. Various short-term delays may be found after termination of hormonal contraceptives; however, it is not considered infertility. These short-term delays varied based on hormonal contraceptive type. Hormonal and non-hormonal methods display similar rates of fertility after 1 year of discontinuation. This evidence can help providers to guide more informed discussions in family planning and address patient fears.
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Subjects
Record Data:
- Program :
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- Physician Assistant Studies
- Location :
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- Knoxville
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